The first item on my list. I've ordered a tent. A Blacks Octane 3 one.Good choice, Pippa!
So now just the sleeping bag, mat and stove to get. And then I'll be all set.
Oh yeah, and a bike to carry it all on :D
You're not coming in my tent when the killer wowbadgers start gathering :P
I've always had a soft spot for Millets.
I'm rather tempted by the Trek Titanium Bowl - bowls & plates - tableware (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/bowls-plates/trek-titanium-bowl-stw-003t.html), but fiscal prudence won out over my lust for shiny toys (for a short while, anyway).
now they will have to kill you JT :o
I am beginning to wonder how anyone actually moves on a bike fully loaded for camping.
Slowly.
I'm on the lookout for a new tent. We want a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Not at all cheap, and there are some available for about £680. I'm hoping to find one at a discount or on Ebay.They don't come up on ebay very often, sadly. And when they do, they often go for a sum that makes little sense when you could get one from a shop with a guarantee for not much more. :-\
Mrs. Wow and I already have the Vango Spirit 2, but we want just a little more space.
I'm on the lookout for a new tent. We want a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Not at all cheap, and there are some available for about £680. I'm hoping to find one at a discount or on Ebay.They don't come up on ebay very often, sadly. And when they do, they often go for a sum that makes little sense when you could get one from a shop with a guarantee for not much more. :-\
Mrs. Wow and I already have the Vango Spirit 2, but we want just a little more space.
Today a new bag, pole and some runners for the Nallo 2 arrived from the marvelous Alpenstock. :thumbsup: Really helpful and super-dooper service :D.
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.
I am lusting after this tent
Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
(http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g :o
Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)
Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g
Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)
Titanium spork ... already have ;D
Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g
Total weight of the above 2.3kg ;D
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.
I am lusting after this tent
Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
(http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g :o
Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)
Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g
Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)
Titanium spork ... already have ;D
Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g
Total weight of the above 2.3kg ;D
Nice setup - one concern I have with the Z-lite is the pack size as it concertinas away and never goes shorter than the 51cm of it's unpacked width. May not be a problem at all, but worth bearing in mind. It has advantages over Prolite and so on, in that punctures are not a problem, but a Prolite regular is only about 50g heavier (and is amazingly comfy).
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.
I am lusting after this tent
Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
(http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g :o
Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)
Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g
Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)
Titanium spork ... already have ;D
Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g
Total weight of the above 2.3kg ;D
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.
I am lusting after this tent
Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
(http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g :o
Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)
Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g
Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)
Titanium spork ... already have ;D
Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g
Total weight of the above 2.3kg ;D
Snugpak sleeping bags are worth checking out - they seemed to be the best lightweight ones when I bought mine. A Jetboil stove might fit your needs too - they are so efficient you don't need to carry as much gas, which saves weight in itself. You don't need a seperate mug or pan either.
I am not too bothered about weight but more interested in pack size i.e. bulk.
Opps, not quite today, but a week ago Saturday we were in Snow and Rock getting some essential skiing gear, and noticed they had a Hilldeberg Rajd shelter going for half price (and it was a competitive £260 when full price. Just a shame it didn't qualify for our 10% discount too!) so we're now just looking for an opportunity to use it :)
That is, once we've ensured we can successfully improvise some poles.
...
As regards the Laser Photon, it's not only a very lightweight tent, it's also very compact, which is as much the reason that I use it for cycle camping. Compared to the weight of you and the bike, the camping luggage isn't all that heavier than my "normal" cycling luggage.
Laser Photons, and the variations on this theme (Laser Ultra, Laser Competition etc) seem to have been pretty common on several of the YACF camping events that I've been on. The one issue I have with mine, is that there is a reasonably large mesh panel, that can't be covered, so I wouldn't want to use it in very cold weather, since it would let too much of the heat you'd expect to build up, escape. Aside from that, I do OK with it. It's not exactly spacious, and it's not ideal for sitting inside of, but I find most tents difficult to sit in, and not hit my head on the roof, so that's not a biggee!
I'll use my Ultra Quasar when I'm camping out the back of the car, but it's quite a bit heavier than the Laser Photon, and a lot bulkier, so pretty much has to be strapped on top of the rack, whereas the Laser will fit inside a pannier, including it's poles, and still leave room for other stuff. The Quasar would fill an entire pannier, and I'd still need to strap the poles somewhere else.
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)But you are a wee slip. Think about the difference in weight between you and the other riders who might be out on a Sabbath September and you will see that you can carry pretty much what you like up to about 50 kgs :D.
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)But you are a wee slip. Think about the difference in weight between you and the other riders who might be out on a Sabbath September and you will see that you can carry pretty much what you like up to about 50 kgs :D.
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I canWell yeah, there is that ;D
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can ;D
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can ;D
Jetboils are also available in titanium! :D
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)
A solar light for 78p from Wilko. Worth a punt at that price, even if it does turn out to be useless.Does it only work when the sun's shining on it?
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight. Can't imagine how that happened.
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight. Can't imagine how that happened.
What ??? You too, the same thing happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46 backpack on discount :smug:
I'll start a thread once it arrives :DWhoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight. Can't imagine how that happened.What ??? You too, the same thing happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46 backpack on discount :smug:
I'll start a thread once it arrives :DWhoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight. Can't imagine how that happened.What ??? You too, the same thing happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46 backpack on discount :smug:
I liked the look of it, but wonder if most campsites would view it as essentially an open fire, and not be very keen on it. You obviously can use it with a Trangia or Hexamine tablets, but that seems to kind of defeat the point of the stove.
... The gadgetiness is part of the fun, too ;D ...
I think you'd get away with it on all sites that allow barbeques. It's not on the ground, burning the grass, is it?
... The gadgetiness is part of the fun, too ;D ...
I can certainly see that, I watched the video, and was quite impressed by the way it goes together, and can be used. :thumbsup:
My first ever Spork.
My first ever Spork.
You'll never forget your first tine.
Snow Peak Spork (no idea why ?)
Bought a 2" second IIII pop up tent from Decathlon today. Ideal for our overnight stops on the way to the alps.
Saves pitching the 6 person Sprayway (and potential arguments!)
Bought my first bit of camping titanium - a mug.
And some gas, and lots of pegs for our big car camping tent after this morning when all the plastic ones supplied with the tent came out of the ground as bent as.
After leaving my original on a train last year, I've bought my second Snugpak Travelpak lite (http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/reviews/snugpak-travelpak-lite-review.html). Feline, these summer bags are very small and light and are excellent quality. They're mummy bags but you should still look at them. After all, extra kick space means extra pack size.
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:
Feline, the Snugpak Travelpak Lite is actually quite roomy for a mummy bag. It also has a built-in mosquito net :-) I used mine out on Dartmoor last weekend with neither tent nor bivvy bag and survived to send this post....
Got mine here for around £25.Bargain...
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:
Ace aren't they! :thumbsup:
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:
Ace aren't they! :thumbsup:
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:
Ace aren't they! :thumbsup:
Yep, :thumbsup: once you've got used to lighting them. I havent many hairs on the back of my left thumb now ;D
I think I'll invest in the coffee press for it too
Yes. ::-)
Theevillovely Julian lent us her Exped Downmat over the weekend, with somewhat inevitable consequences...
They are reassuringly expensive!
And ladyhips definitely benefit, I am assured.
They are reassuringly expensive!
Working shoulders are, however, priceless.
Butterfly has used her google-fu to unearth a wider Exped mat than the DLX, ...
*click* *snappety* we're likely to need two and I hear TimO has some genius pillow which you're going to RTFI for me?
Butterfly has used her google-fu to unearth a wider Exped mat than the DLX, which is slightly inadequate for two people.
Money may have to change hands...
The pillow I use is the Ajungilak one (as mentioned on Woolly's website (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/11/ajungilak-air-pillow-from-mammut/)), but there was an entire thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=26825.0) about this a while back.
*click* *snappety* we're likely to need two and I hear TimO has some genius pillow which you're going to RTFI for me?
The pillow I use is the Ajungilak one (as mentioned on Woolly's website (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/11/ajungilak-air-pillow-from-mammut/)), but there was an entire thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=26825.0) about this a while back.
On the subject of stoves, I finally managed to get a 1 litre kettle boiling in 5 minutes with the Coleman stove :thumbsup: Claimed time is 4min 36sec but I suspect they started with US room temperature water of 24 deg C, not around 18 deg C like mine.
Unfortunately to achieve this time I had to do it in the garage - a breeze can easily extend the time to 9 or 10 minutes, even with a windshield.
The titanium stove* isn't all that bad really, once I realised the flame could be turned up to Saturn V level.
*about £12 from eBay, HiGear Blaze.
If I was after a mug I would want this one Snow Peak Titanium Single Mug 450ml from Taunton Leisure Ltd (http://www.tauntonleisure.com/snow-peak-titanium-single-mug-450ml/p1776)
but they don't look like they would be stackable.
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness? ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.I suggest these Lexan cups (http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53705501)
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness? ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness? ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
My Nallo 3GT has arrived but I've got to go for a blood test and then do some work* so I won't be able to pay with it or a while.
*play games with children
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness? ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
I have the MSR Ti mug. Admittedly it was something of an extravagance, but it weighs virtually nothing and doesn't make tea taste of anything other than tea.
Unless you've dropped it in something vile first, of course...
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness? ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
I have the MSR Ti mug. Admittedly it was something of an extravagance, but it weighs virtually nothing and doesn't make tea taste of anything other than tea.
Unless you've dropped it in something vile first, of course...
I don't know what brand Butterfly's Ti mug is, but it does taste. Not bad, exactly, but it gives a slightly metallic flavour to tea :(
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box ;D
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box ;D
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box ;D
I trust you've put it up already? I know I wouldn't have resisted ;D
Mr R has decided he quite likes car camping... but that we need a new tent. One that you can stand up in and which has a covered seating area. :thumbsup:
Now I just have to stop him buying any old tat off the interweb because it's cheap and he thinks it looks nice... :-\
Mr R has decided he quite likes car camping... but that we need a new tent. One that you can stand up in and which has a covered seating area. :thumbsup:
Now I just have to stop him buying any old tat off the interweb because it's cheap and he thinks it looks nice... :-\
My dog is now seriously in the dog house. She managed to get hold of my lovely new Exped pillow in its little package and thought it was a dog toy. She has chomped the edge of one of the valves and slobbered on it >:(
I've just rinsed off the slobber and will have to check if the valve is still operational when it's dry. If not then my collie owes me £20, what a bitch!
I now have another Exped pillow, and also an elastic camping washing line and a really nice Sea-to-Summit silk sleeping bag liner. I even bought some insect repellent.
I now have another Exped pillow, and also an elastic camping washing line and a really nice Sea-to-Summit silk sleeping bag liner. I even bought some insect repellent.
Dog repellent would seem to be more useful...
Have you joined the ALC section? :)
A 'retrospective' recommendation:- I got a .8l Thermos food flask for £15 last Xmas; having done a couple of backpacking trips with it it's proved invaluable, and along with a couple of cooking pans it's all you need in the kitchen.
Fill it up before setting off and it will last till lunchtime (I hate having to drink freezing cold water when you're trying to digest food). Then as soon as you stop, get the stove on and fill it up again, immediately bringing more water to the boil along with the rice or whatever, then switch off and get your camp set up, having a hot drink from the flask while the food stews. Then when you've finished cooking, fill the flask again with a nighttime beverage for later, using the second pan.
And last but not least (for men, anyway), avoid nighttime hassle - .8l is enough capacity for any skinful, quick slosh outside the tent, zip up and back to sleep.
A 'retrospective' recommendation:- I got a .8l Thermos food flask for £15 last Xmas; having done a couple of backpacking trips with it it's proved invaluable, and along with a couple of cooking pans it's all you need in the kitchen.
Fill it up before setting off and it will last till lunchtime (I hate having to drink freezing cold water when you're trying to digest food). Then as soon as you stop, get the stove on and fill it up again, immediately bringing more water to the boil along with the rice or whatever, then switch off and get your camp set up, having a hot drink from the flask while the food stews. Then when you've finished cooking, fill the flask again with a nighttime beverage for later, using the second pan.
And last but not least (for men, anyway), avoid nighttime hassle - .8l is enough capacity for any skinful, quick slosh outside the tent, zip up and back to sleep.
:o You don't really drink out of and piss into the same container do you? :o :sick:
Whyever not - of course it gets rinsed out, but don't forget some people even DRINK their own pee!
I challenge any bloke on this forum to deny they've never done something similar in an emergency ...
I would need to be pretty close to DETH by dehydration before I would drink from a vessel that had previously contained piss :hand:
I would need to be pretty close to DETH by dehydration before I would drink from a vessel that had previously contained piss :hand:
Which one did you get? It just went to the page for all dreamcatchers.
They don't seem to do goth sleeping bags in sensible shades...
Which one did you get? It just went to the page for all dreamcatchers.
Link fixed. The women's 650. I don't need the extra height, so decided that the extra weight/bulk of the smaller men's 650 wasn't worth it purely for a hideous shade of orange over a hideous pastel blue. And I *do* get cold feet.QuoteThey don't seem to do goth sleeping bags in sensible shades...
It's okay. It'll be dark. Mostly.
Saw one at a decent price, so by the power of JFDI, I should soon be the proud owner of a proper sleeping bag:
http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/ (http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/)
It looks a bit like an alien life form... But it's made of warm! And it's got a hearing aid pocket! How much were they again?
Meanwhile it has grown to something like three times the capacity of the bag it came in. No amount of folding, kneeling, stamping on it, tying it up with the crap little bits of ribbon it was originally tied with or shouting the names of ladies underparts at it will encourage it back into its container. It's half in half out with the zip about one third done up and the pole and peg bags sitting enviously on the conservatory table wondering when they'll get their go.
Funnily enough, that's not true with myLaser Photon,Vaude Lightweight Mk II which has a bagat least twicethe size it needs to be, even with the entire tent, pegs, poles,and even a footprint in the bag.
It is astupidlylightweight tenthowever.
plum, the supplied bags are never big enough. Get a reasonably sized stuffsack and use that instead. Even if you do manage to get your tent back in a holdall-style bag, there's always the chance that the zip will go... :-\
Funnily enough, that's not true withmy Laser Photonlightweight Decathlon tents, whichhas a bag at least twice the size it needs to be, even with the entire tent, pegs, poles, and even a footprint in the baghave bags big enough for the tent, poles and pegs plus bottles of wine or beer. The compression straps keep everything in place and guard against zip failure.
Today I collected a parcel that my neighbour had taken in for us. It was actually 2 parcels, containing a Blacks Good Companion Major and an extended fly sheet for it. We put it up this evening and it is totally lovely. :D It is bigger than I expected and in fabulous condition for a 30+ year old tent. I am very excited 8)
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we had a Blacks Good Companions Major 42 years ago it cost £25 we couldn't afford the extended fly for a few years. It was the best tent we have ever had. It was made of 3oz Egyption cotton . When the children came along and we started taking them cycle camping we split the tent up between us all and it was fine. I finally gave it the to a friend for his scouts. I didn't know that they still made them, mind you it was Blacks of Greenock then.
A bivvy bag (jogler made me get it!), a spork, and a stuffsack from the Alpkit stand.You won't regret the bivvy bag - I bought a Hunka XL (on account of being a fat bastard) a while ago and it's the absolute business. I'm still considering titanium mugs and the like ...
I nearly bought the titanium mug as well.
Umm, I don't suppose it was out to air/dry out was it?
Umm, I don't suppose it was out to air/dry out was it?
Nope, in its bag on the pavement, sitting in a location in that 'please can someone give this object a home' kind of way.
At York I acquired a new tent (a Berghaus Peak 2.1) and some titanium cutlery...
At York I acquired a new tent (a Berghaus Peak 2.1) and some titanium cutlery...
And other half said? ......... ::-)
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?
we've just got an 8 man airbeam and it goes up in minutes with little effort for anyone acquainted with using a track pump. not used it in anger yet, but looking forward to it…Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?
Works for me. 3 annual family camping trips and 3 tents. We now have one for every duration, location and situation!
Will be interested to see how you get on with the Vango Airbeam as that's on the list for next year!
we've just got an 8 man airbeam and it goes up in minutes with little effort for anyone acquainted with using a track pump. not used it in anger yet, but looking forward to it…Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?
Works for me. 3 annual family camping trips and 3 tents. We now have one for every duration, location and situation!
Will be interested to see how you get on with the Vango Airbeam as that's on the list for next year!
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?
Just ordered a couple of replacement o-rings and a webbing strap for my Trangia, which were damaged during a weekend of progressive Trangia incompetence.
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
Tent carpet ?? :o
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
Tent carpet ?? :o
it's more of a large picnic rug, but i guess the marketing people thought carpet was more sellable…i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
Tent carpet ?? :o
Alec - these days, the really stylish glampers are going with laminate downstairs and luxuriant loose rugs and cushions upstairs...
anyone know the largest sized plasma tv that can be hung without ripping the tent fabric? ;)
actually, the glampingest thing i saw in go outdoors yesterday was an outwell tent which had a separate portaloo attachment…
ooh, I've been tempted to get one of them, too. But given that I slept soundly and snored my way right through the night in Comrie, it's hard to argue that I need one!
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
mrs. jogler is moving in the opposite direction.Because she won't tow the caravan & I'm riding there(Tan Hill),we are both kipping inna tent for the first time in years this weekend.
He even looked at Alpkit mats at the Rally (only looked mind, but he tried one out (the Numo) and said it was much better than any airbed he'd ever tried.
They start creaking? ;)
...for the Dun Run yesterday. The mess tin was an indulgence because my old pans are stainless and are impossible to get clean quickly after the sort of brew up I normally do on the way to Dunwich. ...
You should hear a Fell Club meet, with the tents all close together, and the snoring, farting and Downmat creaking creating a cacophony... ;D
...for the Dun Run yesterday. The mess tin was an indulgence because my old pans are stainless and are impossible to get clean quickly after the sort of brew up I normally do on the way to Dunwich. ...
What are you brewing that requires extensive cleaning? :o
I generally find hot water reasonably easy to clean out.
You should hear a Fell Club meet, with the tents all close together, and the snoring, farting and Downmat creaking creating a cacophony... ;D
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets. :)
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets. :)
Whoa. Now that's fringe.
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets. :)
Whoa. Now that's fringe.
A lot of the meets are greenfield sites, sometimes beautiful and often very cheap, which don't have facilities. Having a solution means we don't have to hire a car each time and also makes us look hardcore and rugged ;D It also converts into a Kim style seat, which is sometimes useful :).
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets. :)
Whoa. Now that's fringe.
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets. :)
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…
ooh you funny girl arch ;)some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…
Unless your tent pegs are abnormally long, you're going to have to stick to washing very small items of dolly clothing, or it'll all drag on the ground....
ooh you funny girl arch ;)some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…
Unless your tent pegs are abnormally long, you're going to have to stick to washing very small items of dolly clothing, or it'll all drag on the ground....
the two purchases were unconnected, pegs for the tent and the washing line will go wherever mrs alec thinks is best…
Now what do we put on the flag?http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg
http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg
Couldn't find anything resembling a bowl of chips, so it'll have to be cake instead.http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg
Surely that belongs on CrinklyLion's panniers? In ScotchLite.
Now what do we put on the flag?http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg
Problem solved.
anyone know the largest sized plasma tv that can be hung without ripping the tent fabric? ;)
actually, the glampingest thing i saw in go outdoors yesterday was an outwell tent which had a separate portaloo attachment…
I'm not sure if that is really glamping... it's been a fairly common sight on campsites for some years.
My titanium Jetboil stove has arrived, it is teh sexy ;D
(http://www.rutlandoutdoor.com/ProductImages/jetboil-solti.jpg)
Now I need to work out which cannister to get for it so I can try it out! it will be coming on the Sem Fed with me next week.
My titanium Jetboil stove has arrived, it is teh sexy ;D
(http://www.rutlandoutdoor.com/ProductImages/jetboil-solti.jpg)
Now I need to work out which cannister to get for it so I can try it out! it will be coming on the Sem Fed with me next week.
I've got one of these!. Nice arent they? I got two sizes of canister, the little ones (100g) fit inside the pot for easy carrying, but would take the bigger canister if going for more than a day or two
I always buy 100s for mine as one will fit inside the cup attached to the burner.
Does any 100g one do or does it have to be any specific type of fuel?It's a good idea to take your stove with you when you buy, there are differences in size, mostly small but it means some fit better than others. The Coleman is a good fit in the original Jetboil and has the advantage of being commonly available. There are also some differences in the gas mixes, I think MSR has the best mix for cold weather, but it's a poor fit in the Jetboil. For normal weather I haven't noticed any difference between those I've tried. The main thing is not to burn off all the propane first, shaking before use, trying and keep it warm, not standing it directly on cold ground or standing it in a little water are all supposed to help. I've never managed to boil the claimed 12 ltrs of water from a 100g cannister, 8 is more realistic and expect the last two to be slow, that's still a lot better than most gas stoves. That will do me for 2 - 3 days, any longer and I'll take a 250g MSR cannister and pack something else in the Jetboil. This is my experience with he standard Jetboil, there may be some differences with your new model.
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.
That's been my experience, although I've heard that Camping Gaz blue ones won't work. I have a few Primus canisters I bought at Snow and Rock, and they are fine.
Srewfix. propane/butane mix. screw in type work fine
http://www.screwfix.com/p/gogas-butane-propane-mixed-gas-cartridge-350g/58559
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.
That's been my experience, although I've heard that Camping Gaz blue ones won't work. I have a few Primus canisters I bought at Snow and Rock, and they are fine.
The smaller cartridges get very weak when they're half empty; the pressure isn't really regulated. I use the half-empty ones in a lantern, where the flow rate is very low and they work OK.All gas canister stoves will get weak when half empty if the canisters are used in an upright position.
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).
There's also an argument for taking the gas canister to bed with you, since it'll be a lot warmer first thing in the morning, for that first cup of coffee/tea, than if it has been sat around overnight "just chillin". ;D
This is probably not relevant in France in the middle of the summer.
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).
There's also an argument for taking the gas canister to bed with you, since it'll be a lot warmer first thing in the morning, for that first cup of coffee/tea, than if it has been sat around overnight "just chillin". ;D
This is probably not relevant in France in the middle of the summer.
There's also a trick I saw described in a climbing magazine of taping a strip of metal to the canister, with the other end of the strip contacting the stove's flame. This, of course, could boost the stove's heat output far more than you ever wanted, so I'm not suggesting that anyone actually try this. Could be fun to watch from a safe distance, though.
Camping stuff bought today: 2 packs of jaffa cakes, multipack of pork scratchings, bag of peanuts, ibuprofen and half a bottle of brandy.
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.
It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives). A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem. Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.
If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out. The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).
There's also the attitude test. If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do. If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.
If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street. I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.
Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything. The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.
It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives). A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem. Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.
If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out. The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).
There's also the attitude test. If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do. If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.
If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street. I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.
Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything. The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.
I tend to travel armed only with a spork and a corkscrew. I wonder what they would make of that?
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.
It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives). A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem. Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.
If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out. The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).
There's also the attitude test. If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do. If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.
If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street. I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.
Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything. The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.
As there are lots of camping sales breaking out atm treated myself to vango folding gas stove for £16.99. Now if only the right tent would come along......
You're a lush addicted to Pot Noodles? ;D
Just taken delivery of a Gamma head torch from those nice folks at Alpkit. Cree LEDs FTW ...
Haven't bought anything. Does that make me a bad person.
Anyway, having visited the backpacklight website, spotted this, which for all you bonkers Audaxers out there might be an absolute 'must have' item:
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1
Look how small it packs!!!
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1
Haven't bought anything. Does that make me a bad person.
Anyway, having visited the backpacklight website, spotted this, which for all you bonkers Audaxers out there might be an absolute 'must have' item:
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1
Look how small it packs!!!
That is brilliant!
just ordered one of these
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product435.asp?PageID=112
A sleeping mat from Peli.Hehe, good timing.
Her selling one was serendipitous. At the music festival our girls decided to 'blow up' the self - inflating mats. They got them to the point of looking like airbeds, sat on them - and burst one ::-)
Postman has just delivered my new tent. Force Ten all cotton :PWoohoo! :D
yesterday, i became the proud new owner of sweaty betty
yesterday, i became the proud new owner of sweaty betty - a red octane 3 who may have featured in photos around here once or twice before. i suspect she won't have quite such distant adventures with the cubs and i, but we'll do our best to keep her entertained.I'm so chuffed we found a fantastically crinkly home for Betty. I look forward to hearing about her new adventures!
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!
Yes. :thumbsup:Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!
Interesting. Can you use such a device to set fire to meths in a Trangia burner?
^^^ Do you have to set fire to something else (like cotton wool) and then use that to light the meths?
We have a Swedish fire steel (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002W43YUU/ref=asc_df_B002W43YUU4690338/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B002W43YUU&linkCode=asn). Works very well IME.
Just strike it directly onto the full burner - but it works better when the meths is warm, I've found. On a cold morning, a lighter is more effective.Meths is pretty temperature dependent. To light with a firesteel, it's got to be reasonably warm.
Took my Alpkit Gamma out of a stuff sack and broke the damn battery case opening it. So ordered a new one..... :facepalm: Did make me wonder if they become brittle after a while or may need a bit of vaseline applying around the cap nibs.My first Gamma broke this way and although it was over a year old I contacted Alpkit and the send me a free replacement. Truth be told I'd only changed the batteries twice so it shouldn't have broken but great customer service by Alpkit.
I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.
I'm aware of that. In this particular case, however, the switch itself is at fault - it appears to be thoroughly jammed in 'pressed' position, so you can prod at it all you like and nothing will happen. The steady green LED is a bit of a giveaway too (on my working Bulb, it just blinks at you occasionally)I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.
You do know that you need to do a double press to switch them on. This is a safety mechnisim to stop them switching on in your bag. Try clicking the on button twice.
I'm aware of that. In this particular case, however, the switch itself is at fault - it appears to be thoroughly jammed in 'pressed' position, so you can prod at it all you like and nothing will happen. The steady green LED is a bit of a giveaway too (on my working Bulb, it just blinks at you occasionally)I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.
You do know that you need to do a double press to switch them on. This is a safety mechnisim to stop them switching on in your bag. Try clicking the on button twice.
A minor annoyance, but Alpkit have a good reputation in the 'getting things sorted' stakes.
I was offered a new Hilleberg Nallo 3 for £275 so I jumped at it.
I was offered a new Hilleberg Nallo 3 for £275 so I jumped at it.You lucky thing! :D
not quite 'cause the bloke in the Outdoor Pusuits Co-Op in Stone suggested that instead of a bivvybag I have a sleeping bag cover such as
http://rab.uk.com/products/equipment/bivis/survival-zone.html
for use under a tarp since the bag cover is more breathable but less waterproof than a "proper" bivbag.
I'm :-\
not quite 'cause the bloke in the Outdoor Pusuits Co-Op in Stone suggested that instead of a bivvybag I have a sleeping bag cover such asIt depends.
http://rab.uk.com/products/equipment/bivis/survival-zone.html
for use under a tarp since the bag cover is more breathable but less waterproof than a "proper" bivbag.
I'm :-\
I took delivery of a Hilleberg Keron 3 GT today. In my defence it was an eBay speculative bid based on my understanding that the reserve price must be bigger than my bid :P It wasn't and I won; however, it was a bargain and it is a mother of a tent. The amount of space is amazing, you could almost live in it, but at just under 5kg it is probably more suited to car camping.Oh you lucky thing! I saw that on ebay and nearly bid on it since it was such a good price! I'm glad I didn't now :D. (We really don't need another tent :-[)
I'm glad I didn't now :D. (We really don't need another tent :-[)
Yes!
Earlier today, I picked up this (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/5873428641_1c55a8bbbf.jpg) natty wee tent from lovely Ms Crystal Tips. :thumbsup:
But, unlike "some people" (and you know who you are), I've resisted the temptation to pitch it in the back garden tonight. :facepalm:
Had a little shopping spree.Blimey ... the Zombie Apocalypse must be closer than I thought ;D
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_carr-superc-barley.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/carr-superc-barley.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_bpl-hon_a.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/bpl-hon_a.jpg)
What's the item at the bottom? Looks lethally interesting!A Honey Stove, if I'm not mistaken: http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product397.asp
What's the item at the bottom? Looks lethally interesting!
Here's one for the nutcases: http://www.snowpeak.com/titanium-straw.htmlIt would be useful for vampires who've gotten old and lost their teeth. Just sharpen the end a bit, jab into jugular, and dinner is served!
one of these
http://www.alpkit.com/hunka
the XL version
It arrived today.Marj has sent it to Santa for wrapping ;D
one of these
http://www.alpkit.com/hunka
the XL version
It arrived today.Marj has sent it to Santa for wrapping ;D
What do you plan to do with it?
After unwrapping it, obviously ;)
MK those look very neat and safer than a cheap candle lamp. Are they expensive?
A dozen Y-pegs for £4, and a silk sleeping bag liner for £16.70, from Black's closing down sale (We've got a big new Go Outdoors).
Also some walking/ski pole tips for 75p a pair.
Can you cook (safely) in that there lobby Gordy?
that's a lorra tent for the £
what have you done with the red one?
Can you cook (safely) in that there lobby Gordy?
Sure! I usually cook breakfast porridge whilst still in my sleeping bag. Even if I'm up and about, I think I always light the stove inside the porch because it keeps the wind off.
This is the baby:
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/317MIJHxlL_SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I think that "Grasshopper" colour is the 2009 or 2010 model. I hope I like it. The later ones are dark green.
Oh what a shame. Hope it all gets sorted G.
Recently, titanium sporks and water purifying drops. We broke a few sporks and wanted to add belt and braces to our Katadyn water filter, which doesn't seem to remove algae from mucky water.
An Alpkit pipedream 400 sleeping bag arrived today.
Yes, the water looked green and we weren't entirely convinced that it was OK to drink. Having since researched our Katadyn filter in depth, it seems we shouldn't have fretted - it removes pretty much everything harmful.Recently, titanium sporks and water purifying drops. We broke a few sporks and wanted to add belt and braces to our Katadyn water filter, which doesn't seem to remove algae from mucky water.
Is that because the water emerging from it looks green?
Could this be chlorophyll getting through?
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.aspThey look great. I might need one of those :D
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
I had a sit on one yesterday. It wasn't bad at all. They should start being in shops from early April. :)Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.aspThey look great. I might need one of those :D
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
Brought me a Nallo 2GT to add to my tent collection.
It's a bugger carrying those chairs around to hold it up though!!
I had a sit on one yesterday. It wasn't bad at all. They should start being in shops from early April. :)
New tent for bike packing. Little Easton 3 season tent. 1kg with poles. Yum.
New tent for bike packing. Little Easton 3 season tent. 1kg with poles. Yum.
Ooooh spendy
Got a new Exped Ultralight Synmat 448 grams including stuff sack.Cool. Let us know how you get on with it. :) I am using my synmat short for the first time this weekend. It seems to be about the right length so far. (for sitting and typing on my computer, anyway! ;D)
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!
Any chance of a link to the bags? I'm after something similar for my trip to Jersey.
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!
Any chance of a link to the bags? I'm after something similar for my trip to Jersey.
I got these ones because they weigh almost nothing:
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/exped_ultralite_zip_packs.html
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.I suppose I must be a knot-tying fanatic.
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.I suppose I must be a knot-tying fanatic.
I more see it that if you can do without a product, you should. Once you've learnt the knot, you're much less likely to lose it when you need it. :-\
Alpkit do some fantastic bargains on lightweight bags/stuffsacs.
Now, how do I avoid resisting the temptation to use the saved weight / size to carry more stuff???
We recently bought two fleece blankets to line our Alpkit 800 sleeping bags after freezing our bits off in Bariloche.
It's cold in the Andes in low season! Brr.
Ooh that Easton tent looks very nice :)
(reminder to self you already have a new tent - even if it's 2kg)
Yes, it was *extremely* cold and humid at nights down in Patagonia. Other cycle tourists we met had 4-5 season down bags, or summer sleeping bags inside their 3 season bags. My main problem with my Alpkit bag, after four years of steady use, is that the feathers have squashed down in the part I lie on, or moved entirely towards the bottom of the bag, and it's very hard to move the down back into the correct pockets. So, I have toasty feet, but a cold bottom! The fleece liner helped a lot.We recently bought two fleece blankets to line our Alpkit 800 sleeping bags after freezing our bits off in Bariloche.
It's cold in the Andes in low season! Brr.
Cold even in an 800? :o
I might have to rethink which Alpkit bag I'm saving up for!
Mine is purple. ;)
Mine is purple. ;)
How have you found it? First impressions is that it's a quality bit of kit.
Alpkit LED lamp Has arrived. On switch is annoying me a bit as it is a little bit hit and miss. No failures yet but a tad annoying.
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
The chair arrived today and it is very comfy. I think it is bye bye to stools.
Alpkit LED lamp Has arrived. On switch is annoying me a bit as it is a little bit hit and miss. No failures yet but a tad annoying.
as a safely feature to stop it switching on in your bag you need to press it twice, with a short dealy between presses.
Isn't it a bit dangerous, fitting bells to bears?Depends whether or not you've given the bear a taste of the pepper spray before you try to fit them.
(as part of my preparations for going to Alaska, I'm in the process of putting together a holster for a bear spray canister which will fit on Pugsley's handlebars)good idea. If ever there was a bike that would attract bear-bike-thieves, it is your Pugsley.
Whilst making a noise is a good bear deterrent, I wasn't aware you could buy bells for the purpose - looks like something else to put on the list. Wonder if there's a Ti version available ;D
on top of socks
on top of socks
*The girl who admitted to wearing socks with sandals and thought her friends would still talk to her*
I'm listing these as camping gear not cycling gear because of where I intend to use them, but at last years Semaine Federale I tried on a friends SPD sandals (as you do) and found they were much much comfier than the new style Shimano SPD sandals with the 3 straps, that tend to rub below my outer ankle bone in a not very good way.
Sadly there is already photographic evidence of this heinous crime here http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/DunRun2011/small.php?file=_7160939.JPGR&size=640
I'm listing these as camping gear not cycling gear because of where I intend to use them, but at last years Semaine Federale I tried on a friends SPD sandals (as you do) and found they were much much comfier than the new style Shimano SPD sandals with the 3 straps, that tend to rub below my outer ankle bone in a not very good way.
Ah interesting. That's the problem barakta has with the Shimano ones. Which I've been failing to return to Spa for ages now...
Got any sizing advice?
No Shimano style size inflation then, thanks...
I bought a Hilleberg Akto off andrewc otpGreat wee tent.
I've been hankering for one of these for a while but the intermittent use couldn't justify the cost of a new one.
I shall have a test erection on the back lawn tomorrow.
Not bought today, but used for the first time this week an Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INHVFeS3uw0&feature=player_popout
Looks very like the system we have with the smaller mats, which doubled as a stuffsack. They change the valves too often, though.
Yes, and, if it works with the valve we have on the large mat, my wrists would be grateful. It's not fun finishing a tiring ride, then spending ages pumping pitifully small amounts of air into the mat while hurting your hands :-\It says there is an adapter available for the mats like ours :D.
Gah! I splurged on a new tent yesterday, and I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well! Can the credit card take another bashing this month?
Gah! I splurged on a new tent yesterday, and I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well! Can the credit card take another bashing this month?
C'mon out with it...... details required
It's a Hubba Hubba HP, the 2 man version of the Hubba I was using at York, Long Itchen and Rutland. That's an excellent little tent but it's just too snug. I'm going to be camping for 4 weeks in the USA in October and want to be comfortable.
It's a Hubba Hubba HP, the 2 man version of the Hubba I was using at York, Long Itchen and Rutland. That's an excellent little tent but it's just too snug. I'm going to be camping for 4 weeks in the USA in October and want to be comfortable.
If you're considering selling your Hubba HP, I'd be interested.
I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well! Can the credit card take another bashing this month?I've just given mine a due hammering, having come to the conclusion in March that the Neoair doesn't cut the mustard as far as warmth is concerned (same can be said about the Prolites)
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.
An MSR Hubba HP tent, and an Exped Schnozzle pump bag for inflating our Downmats.
Bought from the wonderfully helpful Adam at Elite Mountain Supplies (http://www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk).
Can't wait to try the Hubba.
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.
You must be a hardy soul Jogler! :)
I don't think I could manage on a 6mm cc mat anymore. Thermarest Neoair for warmer nights and Exped Downmat 7 for cooler nights is my bed :)
Good little tent, see my review in the reviews section http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0). You will need some extra guyline & a couple of runners though, it only comes with 1 length.
I ordered a Synmat UL and a Schnozzle from Adam, he said they had no Schnozzles in stock. The synmat turned up yesterday, hopefuly the Schnozzles in the post
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.
You must be a hardy soul Jogler! :)
I don't think I could manage on a 6mm cc mat anymore. Thermarest Neoair for warmer nights and Exped Downmat 7 for cooler nights is my bed :)
I haven't slept on a foam mat since I was a scrawny wee whippersnapper with no hips (not a coincidence). They always did a pretty reasonable job warmth-wise, but are completely unforgiving of lumpy ground and lumpy bodies. :hand:
Explain advantage of mantle over LEDs please. Ta.
Got one of those tiny little Fenix lanterns but got it from Maplins.
I'll leave it in the tent so it doesn't get forgotten. When I get my new tent, that is.
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.
And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.
And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?
Apparently the British Army use alcohol hand gel for pre-heating.
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.
And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?
Indeed. That's the stove you buy when you are touring in places where you are unsure of a clean fuel supply, or when you anticipate having to melt snow for your morning cuppa. A bit OTT for anywhere European...
It's also famous for being anti socially noisy in use.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28)
Replacement pole for our Nallo2, which broken on the sem fed.
A Trangia gas burner from Black in Keswick. Cost £30 reduced from £45 in their apparently perpetual sale. Also had them in Cotswold Outdoor for £53 so I rekon I got a good buy. :thumbsup:
That Trangia burner seems to send the gas pipe through the flame for pre-heating. Is that normal for gas?
How heavily discounted gas burner and from whence?
That Trangia burner seems to send the gas pipe through the flame for pre-heating. Is that normal for gas?
It means that you can invert the cannister and feed liquid gas to the burner. Very useful for colder weather when low gas pressure in cannisers impacts on perfromance. It works in the same way as your MSR liquid feed stove.
How heavily discounted gas burner and from whence?
http://www.trekitt.co.uk/gosystem-adapt-gas-conversion.ir
AIUI the main difference between that and the Trangia branded one is the size of the knob and whether it's got 'Trangia' written on the box.
Apparently the British Army use alcohol hand gel for pre-heating.
Yes, but only in the arctic and running naptha in the stove IME.
Hand gel doesn't work that well I don't think - you need a proper fuel gel like this:
clicky (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.needlesports.com/imagecache/250aa1fe-2d8c-4b16-b124-9e5a00b26130_500x500.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Cooking-Equipment/Fuel-Fire/Fire-Paste-COG-FPASTE&usg=__y5oKs3GTEOg3wjC8u0fMrCq0CF0=&h=500&w=500&sz=31&hl=en&start=166&zoom=1&tbnid=9fYyTjPjQ6K2-M:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&ei=u4YhUJzKL5KAhQeJmIGoCw&itbs=1)
Visa is the way to go :thumbsup:
Now, do I dare buy one of these (http://wildstoves.co.uk/wood-cooking-stoves/wood-gas-camping-stoves/wild-wood-gas-stove/) whilst I still have an itcy trigger finger... :D
One of these.
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html
I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.
Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.
I discovered that our posh stove - a Primus Multifuel EX - whichhas been suffering from the loss of a flame spreader, is actually for all practical purposes an Omnifuel, and so I've bought a spreader from Needlesport, who are a lot cheaper than other suppliers, but seem to be pretty sound.
One of these.
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html
I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.
Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.
One of these.
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html
I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.
Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.
We had a visit to Hilleberg in Redmond today. I'd like to say it was an interesting and exciting occasion, but it left quite a sour taste. We'd complained about three of our five zips breaking down irrepairably, and had several responses from Hilleberg which were more defensive and critical than understanding and helpful. Apparently we cycle tourers should make time every day (yes, every day) to clean all our zippers. And if we don't? Well, we deserve what comes to us, clearly*! And, we definitely chose the wrong tent, they insisted, despite the Kaitum 3GT being specifically marketed for cycle tourers. Apparently, we should be using the heavier Keron.
We left their office with a completely new inner tent for a reduced price, but also with a general feeling of having had our wrists slapped, and that we were causing them more hassle than we were worth. We really should have been a good girl and boy and cleaned our zips every day, I suppose. ::-)
* The first zip on the tent died after less than 2 months' use. I think that's pretty poor.
It's also a very short-sighted response given how quickly one's disappointment can be broadcast worldwide via social media. I am a Hilleberg fan but your very poor experience leaves me thinking that my next tent will not be Hilleberg.
In a world of competitive products customer service holds a key edge. Exped know and practise this with their downmats. Hilleberg might wish to learn a lesson here.
Apparently we cycle tourers should make time every day (yes, every day) to clean all our zippers.
When I'm cycle touring, I'm too busy having The Fun to brush out my zippers.The Hilleberg website page on tent care is impressively thorough, and it does suggest giving the zippers extra care in sandy environments. www.hilleberg.com/home/tent_info/hints.php
Unless I'm camping in a desert made of ground up carborundum stone, I fail to see why this should be necessary at all.
<--- Nallo 3GT owner
I could probably fit the stove to Worf the trailer. Mobile tea bike :thumbsup: I like the idea of that..Ooh - cool!
I bought a replacement hose for some camping stoves that I was given when the American Scout troop in Oslo folded and I brought back to UK but neverused. Partly because they are like these:I have a hankering for the "proper" version of that, the liquid fuelled-suitcase stove. Ugly as sin with a separate fuel tank.
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu_e9oMq2IMx8fbm_mMn9cuh4TcWy0Fs88uUitrpaMBov1csiU&t=1)
I bought a replacement hose for some camping stoves that I was given when the American Scout troop in Oslo folded and I brought back to UK but neverused. Partly because they are like these:I have a hankering for the "proper" version of that, the liquid fuelled-suitcase stove. Ugly as sin with a separate fuel tank.
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu_e9oMq2IMx8fbm_mMn9cuh4TcWy0Fs88uUitrpaMBov1csiU&t=1)
Nope.
http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/263830_237_41
It can burn a 5l pot of porrige before the top is even noticeably warm.
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!
Yes, thank you for the original recommendation! I think I may have got quite a good deal. After discount, the bag cost me $420.I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!
Western Mountaineering bags are excellent. Very comfy, very well made, and they are every bit as warm as rated.
2 new Alpkit drybags, one small one with a draw cord for storing battery pack with wire coming out of it.
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!
Western Mountaineering bags are excellent. Very comfy, very well made, and they are every bit as warm as rated.
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are. ;D
Look forward to seeing it at some point. I'll never forget the time I spent getting intimate with your big thing.
I, for one, will never be able to think of Brooks saddles in quite the same way...It's only since I stopped working there I've been able to use one myself.
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are. ;D
I don't think age or even beer comes into it. If it's warm and snuggly, a 3am bog visit is guaranteed.
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are. ;D
I don't think age or even beer comes into it. If it's warm and snuggly, a 3am bog visit is guaranteed.
My sleeping bag's zip can be undone from either end. I can only think that the reason for the southern approach is so that a chap can micturate without getting out of bed.
I have yet to try this.
It's so that those of us who like to, can use our feet as cooling fins.
My zip only goes down the bag to just below my waist, though. The only thing I could stick out of that hole is of far too small a surface area to be any use at all as a cooling fin.
My zip only goes down the bag to just below my waist, though. The only thing I could stick out of that hole is of far too small a surface area to be any use at all as a cooling fin.
*boggle*
I'd have thought that would depend on how hot it is...
£37? I need to start making stuff like this.
A 5l can of panel wipe to use as an alternative fuel in my Coleman dual fuel lantern. Only £15 from here: http://www.metalflake.co.uk/product_details.php?id=PWS050Let me know how it works. That's just under half the price of Primus Power Fuel (sold by Cotswold Outdoor, £6.30 a litre if you have a National Trust card and get 10% discount).
A 5l can of panel wipe to use as an alternative fuel in my Coleman dual fuel lantern. Only £15 from here: http://www.metalflake.co.uk/product_details.php?id=PWS050Let me know how it works. That's just under half the price of Primus Power Fuel (sold by Cotswold Outdoor, £6.30 a litre if you have a National Trust card and get 10% discount).
Mind you, the best quality low-odour white spirit is £6.99 for two litres and burns very well if you treat it as kerosene in a multifuel stove.
I just received the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar which I ordered from the US 6 weeks ago. It's essentially a big pentagon of Silnylon that can be viewed as a very basic tent or a quite fancy tarp. The backpacking nerds have been raving about them so I though I'd see what all the fuss was about.
I noticed Chris Townsend using something like that on his blog photos, I used my new TarpTent Moment on a backpacking trip recently and though it wasn't as comfortable as my regular tent I really noticed the ease of pitching, extra room in pack and maybe weight saving too. For cycling, I really don't understand why anyone should need more than this as if the weather's that bad you wouldn't enjoy cycling in it, would you? Will you be using a bivvy bag inside it? - I got a Wild Country one that only weighs 200g.
Would probably be a good business opportunity for someone to import these as the custom charges take ages and the postage is prohibitive, as you point out.
Yes..I'm a lucky boy
... We simply love our little kettle, and to think we nearly left it at home!
These might be worth a punt on Thursday at Lidl stores. Some of the light weight camping retailers have similar items but at 2-3 times this price!
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_39715.htm
Our website is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.I do wish people could be bothered to type the couple of words that say what "this" is >:(
The Lidl house on the prairie. A 1.5kg 2-man tent for under fifteen quid. Now I am not expecting a great deal of this, but hopefully it will keep the rain off and save me from dying from exposure on the Rutland camping weekend.
Dutch ovens are awesomeindeed they are, if you want to get your own back after your sleeping partner's last big fart has passed over.
Thanks Kim. The deed has been done. I may be sleeping in the garden next weekend.
Thanks Kim. The deed has been done. I may be sleeping in the garden next weekend.
How about a beer garden (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=65009.0)? :demon:
I think the 300 is well worth it for two (it fits barakta and I plus the usual amount of stuff reasonably well, anyway). Fboab has a 200, and it's a bit snug for two people with any amount of kit.The 200 is great for an adult + a child. As long as the child doesn't wriggle. It's my solo-camping tent.
i bought a wild woodgas stove . real fire and smoke :thumbsup:
A Blacks Octane 3, as raved about by others on this forum (e.g. http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/07/blacks-octane-3-tent/) , off eBay for a little under £100. Fingers crossed its as good as advertised.
After chatting with MercuryKev this week about all things camping, I was inspired to try to sort out the rest of my gear list. Today I picked up a Primus Express Spider, a couple of little Trangia-ish pots, and one of those plastic plates with the rubber sides. I'll see how I get on with the aluminium pots, as I have distinctly unfond memories of the taste of an aluminium spoon when I was younger.
I told you I had many stoves and the Express Spider is my remote canister stove of choicesI used one on a recent trip to France and was very impressed with the way it continued to roar when there was only a tiny amount of gas left.
A random assortment of stuff to make our car-based trip to the Uists and Harris a bit more comfortable (things to sit and lie on, a tarp/porch - stuff like that, mainly).
The discovery that I get a very good discount at Cotswold means that we seem to have bought a lot of stuff there so far this year :-\ ;)
I use the adhesive Scotchlite tape for making-dropped-objects-easier-to-spot purposes.
I managed to find someone selling the Exped pillow in large. What a difference in comfort!
I'm sure OD is in there somewhere, probably Scooby Doo himself!
Although Shaggy's grimace is the same as OD's default photo face.
Currently hunting for a good titanium spork. Does it exist?
I like Keith Titanium. Simply because it's called Keith Titanium.
The LMF not a spork? :o
It's the definitive item!
Not bought by me, but the SmallestCub received from Granny Annie, for his 6th birthday present, his very own tin mug and spork. This gift arrived in his hands two days after the birthday itself, since the Cubs had been away at their dad's until that point. It got unwrapped from its paper, admired, then immediately packed in a rucksack and taken for its first ever night under canvas :DHow long d'you reckon it'll be until he asks for/demands an upgrade to titanium? :)
We have a Light My Fire Ti spork. I don't like it for eating with, but it's great for cooking.
Is there anyone, bar Alpkit, making Ti V-pegs at a sane price?Not that I'm aware of, although having said that I haven't had a look on fleaBay.
(http://www.welovestyles.com/wp-content/gallery/scooby-doo/scooby-doo-tv-02.jpg)
That's Oaky in the front seat, I'm sure OD is in there somewhere, probably Scooby Doo himself!
Some clam cleats, following recommendation on here, by andrewc I think.Actual cleats, like these (http://www.cleats.co.uk/home/details.asp?id=2), or pegs?
Some clam cleats, following recommendation on here, by andrewc I think.Actual cleats, like these (http://www.cleats.co.uk/home/details.asp?id=2), or pegs?
[/quote
Tent pegs - they look great. Blue.
Can't wait to try them out, but will have to.
Tent pegs - they look great. Blue.Those Y pegs are good. The only problem is that they can be a bit hard on the hands if you just push them in.
Can't wait to try them out, but will have to.
Those Y pegs are good. The only problem is that they can be a bit hard on the hands if you just push them in.
Not actually brought it but my son has given me a belated birthday present of a Solar Competition 2 tent. He says it is for carrying as an emergency shelter if I can't find other accommodation.
IME they do as effectively having a 'spine' they are far more resistant to bending.
Anyone want to buy a GSI Soloist panset?
Anyone want to buy a GSI Soloist panset?
This - http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/pots-and-pans-c9/pinnacle-non-stick-soloist-backpacking-cookset-p1083
You do know they crawl after about 8 months, don't you? (6 if you're unlucky).
You do know they crawl after about 8 months, don't you? (6 if you're unlucky).You've seen our tent - there's nowhere for him to crawl to!
How utterly splendid :thumbsup:This
Just ordered a new tent - "Luxe Mini Peak II". :)
??? Not to worry. Hopefully mine, will be with me today, depending on the courier van when he/she arrives. I really only wanted this tent or shelter for some good old cycle-touring, for next year. I've heard the Mini Peak II had issues with the mesh and hopefully there may of improved on that. Still, if the weather is kind at the weekend, I may pop it up and see how it looks. I have plans for walking the Cleveland Way, later this month, but I may scrap that and do the C2C instead and try out the Mini Peak II.Just ordered a new tent - "Luxe Mini Peak II". :)
I'm just about to sell mine.
Finally, a SVEA 123 (the "Swedish hand grenade") for the sensible price of £45. This is the original made-in-Sweden one without the built-in cleaning needle, which is supposed to be more controllable than the current 123R. Doesn't have the little aluminium pan but all sorts of things fit instead, probably my tin mug.
The seller has replaced the seals in the valve and the photos show it burning with a good strong blue flame.
a new backpack... it's almost pant-wettingly well made, fits like a glove and I can't wait to get it out on the hills - it's a bright red macpac pursuit.
a new backpack... it's almost pant-wettingly well made, fits like a glove and I can't wait to get it out on the hills - it's a bright red macpac pursuit.
That's a good price. I would say that the Colmans that the Scouts use have had problems with the zips corroding into a blob of white powder and I don't think the tents have been put away wet.This is definitely tent buying season for the frugal: stocks are just about running out now but Sports Direct have a few good deals on quality brands: http://www.sportsdirect.com/camping/tents/2-to-4-man-tents?dsearch=cat
I would suggest lubricating with some wax.
the Colmans that the Scouts use have had problems with the zips corroding into a blob of white powder and I don't think the tents have been put away wet.That corrosion would normally be due to salt.
...some feet to fit under a gas canister to stabilise my stove.The best set of feet is the MSR version.
I like using a small screw on cooker, so the feet should make everything a bit more stable
Ditto ... bargainous! 4 season too. Well spotted once again 'Shroom old thing. Will see what longevity is like.
Peak Oyl arrived today. Warm to the touch and suspect will be comfy. V Light in comparison to my Alpkit mat. A tad narrow for me but can live with that. Extreme rating -18deg C.
a potlifter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE107.html), a long spoon (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html) and a stove lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html)
a potlifter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE107.html), a long spoon (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html) and a stove lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html)
You light your stoves with the long spoon? How multi-functional! ;D
You light your stoves with the long spoon? How multi-functional! ;DOops! Must have been a copy error - shift-C or something :-[
Flints are no good for pressurised white gas stoves, though; with those, the main thing is to have the flame at the burner before you turn on the fuel, otherwise you can get a very alarming fireball.Yes indeed.
Flints are no good for pressurised white gas stoves, though; with those, the main thing is to have the flame at the burner before you turn on the fuel, otherwise you can get a very alarming fireball.
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME
MSR Titan Kettle and mug :thumbsup:
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME
First use, they managed a 5 cm tear due to a caught zip :(
Inner tent door, halfway around the zip.Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME
First use, they managed a 5 cm tear due to a caught zip :(
:( - More does not mean totally. Which bit of the tent did they rip?
Been looking at larger tents recently and have just ordered a A Vango Pulsar 300
It was a choice between that and an Octane 3
Not a lot in the weight difference .6kg but the Pulsar comes with a groundsheet for the porch and is in not such a bright colour as the new Octane ;D
Also managed to find it online for £137 when the Octane was £180
1st trip will likely be across to Mildenhall :thumbsup:
Looks good :)Been looking at larger tents recently and have just ordered a A Vango Pulsar 300
It was a choice between that and an Octane 3
Not a lot in the weight difference .6kg but the Pulsar comes with a groundsheet for the porch and is in not such a bright colour as the new Octane ;D
Also managed to find it online for £137 when the Octane was £180
1st trip will likely be across to Mildenhall :thumbsup:
Oooh nice.
Replacement pole for an Akto.The poles for a Nammatj 2 (I think) are the same size as that for an Akto, but a bit thicker/stronger at 10mm rather than 9. May be worth considering if you break the pole again.
Replacement pole for an Akto.
Replacement pole for an Akto.
May I ask where you got that pole from? Hilleberg or shop somewhere. I am after a Macpac pole and didn't know whether to chase Macpac or go to a local outdoor shop, of which there are few left near me. Is it a genuine Akto pole?
Replacement pole for an Akto.The poles for a Nammatj 2 (I think) are the same size as that for an Akto, but a bit thicker/stronger at 10mm rather than 9. May be worth considering if you break the pole again.
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine. They appear to have become unobtainumI like my Dreamcatcher 500.
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine. They appear to have become unobtainumI like my Dreamcatcher 500.
The only place I found to get a Dreamcatcher now is Bergzeit.co.uk (German site). I suspect that the stretchiness added a bit to the weight, and they decided they were losing sales because of it.
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine. They appear to have become unobtainumI like my Dreamcatcher 500.
The only place I found to get a Dreamcatcher now is Bergzeit.co.uk (German site). I suspect that the stretchiness added a bit to the weight, and they decided they were losing sales because of it.
Which is silly, as the stretchiness is the whole point. It's a warmer, lightweight alternative to a rectangular bag, not a heavy alternative to a mummy bag. If they weren't selling, it's because not enough people knew they existed, (I think at least partially because most retailers just lumped them in with the mummy bags and it wasn't particularly obvious that they were different). Shame.
To a point then you're suggesting that it's a combination of a marketing and a user education issue, but perhaps with part of the problem being that folk are conditioned to think rectangular = cheap, low quality, cold, while mummy = higher quality, warmer, more appropriate for anything other than low-level summer use while car camping.
Nikki, should you be desirous of a click stand, I have one that I made earlier.
You would be very welcome to have it as,I am hopeful that, the trike will stand up on it's own.
I, too, have a slightly cracked pole section :facepalm: :-[
I've bought a Hilleberg Allak as a replacement for a 1985 (ish) TN Quasar that died of flysheet proofing rot (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=85381.0).
Not arrived yet, but I've had the "on its way" phone call :thumbsup:.
Somewhere else was Alpenstock (Stockport).
Email enquiring, a "not in stock, have to order from Sweden" reply more or less by return, replied saying "How long?, Feb deadline", got a reply after 2 days saying "in stock in Sweden, it will take a week or so", so I ordered by phone, and it's taken just over a week.
Not only did Alpenstock actually take an interest in selling me a tent in an efficient manner, they were cheaper too.
I don't know what was going on at Trekitt, but I wasn't very impressed. If they didn't want to order in from Sweden, they should have said so straight away.
Earlier this year Pauline got us a Wicki Up 4 tent for our joint tours. I also used it a few times on my own and really liked it although it was a little on the large size for a solo tent. So I have treated myself to a Wicki Up 3 for my solo tours. Hopefully it will be just as good but slightly lighter and smaller.
Earlier this year Pauline got us a Wicki Up 4 tent for our joint tours. I also used it a few times on my own and really liked it although it was a little on the large size for a solo tent. So I have treated myself to a Wicki Up 3 for my solo tours. Hopefully it will be just as good but slightly lighter and smaller.
BrukitI recommend some Thermawrap (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE102.html) to make a pouch cosy with, to keep your meals warm whilst they are rehydrating/being eaten.
LHfoon
Nice stove! :thumbsup:
Nice, does it come with windsheilds and bag etc??
Dave C
Hmmm, I may have accidentally bought a tent. Despite being on a mission to reduce tent quantities around here :-[. We'll see how it is when it arrives.
erm well I think this can go into this thread.
Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.
Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)
I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.
Other than being mighty fine bike storage for Nye, what is it and what about it upset the tent rationalisation?
erm well I think this can go into this thread.
Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.
Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)
I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.
erm well I think this can go into this thread.Fantastic! Very cool idea :thumbsup:
Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.
Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)
I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.
After a bit of umm-ing and ahh-ing, this evening I've finally cracked and ordered myself an Alpkit BruKit (https://www.alpkit.com/products/brukit). For a third of the cost of a JetBoil it seems like it's probably worth a punt, and fingers crossed it'll turn up on Friday morning before I need to set off to Long Itch.
Not bought, but given. A rather nice titanum spork (and a drawing of me on a bike), from my niece for my birthday. She knows what's up!Sweet :)
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7760/17596015072_b0420dfd77_b.jpg)
Three weeks ago, just before going to Scotland:
An Alite Mayfly chair (http://shop.alitedesigns.com/mayfly-chair.html), as a substitute for a Helinox chair.
The Helinox is too tall to use inside a tent, and may make holes in the groundsheet if the tent is a big one (my mate also managed to kick over the BBQ, so there were more & bigger holes than mine to worry about), and the legs sink into softish ground.
The Alite chair is usefully lighter and smaller-packing than the Helinox, sits me low enough to use inside (bum about 2" off the floor), and doesn't have sharp feet (I used an empty Ortlieb underneath, on the grounds of better safe than sorry).
Hilleberg Nallo GT2 - yes I know it was expensive but is lovely!Good choice! :thumbsup:
Hilleberg Nallo GT2 - yes I know it was expensive but is lovely!Good choice! :thumbsup:
A got a Synmat 7 yesterday, which does seem far comfier than my self inflating mat I used last tour :)
Alpkit aluminium pots - my old ones were probably leaking teflon. Wondering how 'non stick' anodised will be!
Finally ordered the Octane 3 from Blacks with a futher 15% discount! :thumbsup: (its yellow but will live with that.)Ditto, after this weekend camping and finding the Vango starting to split at the seams we were looking at another tent.
Just bought a zephyros 2. Does anyone know what the little orange aluminium tube is for?
Thanks
If the assembled pole is stressed eg by a Drunk Person landing on it, then the pole-end fails and splays out releasing the peg.
Finally got around to buying a Synmat at long last, together with a Snozzle bag, some Alpkit tent pegs and a bike buddy.
I accidentally bought a tent. We collected it today but I haven't had time to pitch it yet. It's a second Good Companions Major, with a nylon fly sheet which is quite rare. It may turn into a donor tent or we may use it complete. I'm quite excited about it. The main difference with the nylon fly is that it has 2 zips which make it much more useable with a toddler.Another Good Companion flysheet arrived chez nous... :)
Having determined that my other half does indeed enjoy camping, we have upgraded from our £20 4 person Asda tent of last year to a much posher Decathlon Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent today.That looks good. Might be a suitable tent to continue our (near) glamping experiments.
How often does a man get the chance to buy his missus a swanky one bed bungalow eh?
Having determined that my other half does indeed enjoy camping, we have upgraded from our £20 4 person Asda tent of last year to a much posher Decathlon Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent today.That looks good. Might be a suitable tent to continue our (near) glamping experiments.
How often does a man get the chance to buy his missus a swanky one bed bungalow eh?
No complaints, especially given the price. It's everything except lightweight.
A power charger. For my Garmin, when I'm off camping, so I don't have to demand the presence of mcshroom every time I got on holiday. I still don't have the miles from our Scottish holiday on Strava, or on my heatmap, which is annoying.
I might still demand mcshroom's presence, but he won't need to use his power charger on my stuff anyway.
One of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B016DA61V2/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&showViewpoints=0
That is impressive. I have ones up to 20000 (allegedly), but 26000 is a week's worth of electrons.A power charger. For my Garmin, when I'm off camping, so I don't have to demand the presence of mcshroom every time I got on holiday. I still don't have the miles from our Scottish holiday on Strava, or on my heatmap, which is annoying.
I might still demand mcshroom's presence, but he won't need to use his power charger on my stuff anyway.
One of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B016DA61V2/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&showViewpoints=0
They've come on a bit from when I bought mine a few years back. That's twice the capacity of my White Anker one :)
Oh, and a schnozzel with flat valve adaptor to reduce the Downmat CPR stress at the end of a day's riding.This will change your life! :)
Mental note: dig out barakta's Schnozzel for upcoming tour. Or contrive to steal Wowbagger's.
I may have made a mistake with the 'yellow' bargainous Blacks Octane 3 man purchased at half retail price. Took it out of the bag in the garden today with a view to setting up and clipping on the inner for use at the week end when I was attacked by zillions of Thrips (thunder flies). No wonder the tents were reduced in price. ::-)
http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/162660-eh-buckingham-8-elite.html
Beware wine and 0% credit.
Clearly not much use for cycle touring and I'm going to need 5 more children to justify it!
I should probably shut the PC down before I get lured onto ebay....
would that work with any blow up matt .i have the exped matt .No.
Certainly Exped flat valves won't work.Further consideration leads to the possibility of making an adapter by bodging a bit of tube into the valve closure lid from a dead Exped mat or pillow.
Certainly Exped flat valves won't work.Further consideration leads to the possibility of making an adapter by bodging a bit of tube into the valve closure lid from a dead Exped mat or pillow.
A second two man tent (Vango Bravo 200) for £39.99.
and one of these for £9.39 (both in yesterday's Amazon Prime Sale event):-
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lixada_stove/packed_s.jpg)(click to show/hide)
I bought this today....it's camping sort of.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6Y7qGx4CvI/V43yUsfblsI/AAAAAAAAIZc/zljnPhZiVpEJWBcq7KnP9aC6pPmd4VVYQCCo/s912/a%2BHymer%2BB544%2BSL%2B2006%2Bsmall.jpg)
I bought this today....it's camping sort of.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6Y7qGx4CvI/V43yUsfblsI/AAAAAAAAIZc/zljnPhZiVpEJWBcq7KnP9aC6pPmd4VVYQCCo/s912/a%2BHymer%2BB544%2BSL%2B2006%2Bsmall.jpg)
Not strictly bought today, but back before Christmas we replaced our big family tent with an eight man Berghaus inflatable. The idea was that it would be so easy to put up that Mrs B would have no trouble doing so on her own when I’m away at sea. Anyway her and the kids have used it already over in Holland and reported that it’s a doddle to setup. Having just returned from 7 months away I’m about to have my first go with it at this year’s Tandem Club National Rally and will post some phots next week.
i bought an inflatable back cushion from Poundland to use as a camp pillow. It does have some shape to it but worth a try at that price. When I got home I did some sunbathing in the garden so gave it a try and fell asleep.https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/thumbsup.gif
Some Chinese Titanium pegs. May be a while.
A pair of lights, £9.95 in Aldi, that seem to be like the Moon brand. bright enough to be seen with for sure.
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/medium/TAR_NeoAir_Minipump_open.jpg)
after 10 days of blowing up a full length XTherm by mouth
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/medium/TAR_NeoAir_Minipump_open.jpg)Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?
after 10 days of blowing up a full length XTherm by mouth
Rumour would have it that it's also quite good for getting a wood burning camp stove going.
Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?Using Duracell to fully inflate an oversized Neo Air Trekker (the widest one) I have used a pair of Duracells for about 15 nights with no sign of efficiency dropping off. I am confident enough to take the same batteries on tour next year.
Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?Using Duracell to fully inflate an oversized Neo Air Trekker (the widest one) I have used a pair of Duracells for about 15 nights with no sign of efficiency dropping off. I am confident enough to take the same batteries on tour next year.
I bought this a couple of months ago.
Yes..it's a Motorhome but there's my Brompton so it's OK, it sort of makes it "Cycle Camping".
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1_9d756VFA2S0n1a1FRI_THRJJK4iQclNpj0rs5idd39Cck0bwkY9m9Ios6w9sDFECX4CQ_bAfkjwifeD4-Zzdy1ujd1-Gk8xblG692srtyqQZFnj0sbs45_XcS3kdJB1Xa5gua9lu8wGRv42ANS8sFVkXvInN2SM7iM4-56I6yg8pwQpDmOXv0_TlmYBkfYK9zp1WphhigCshiaw2tPCk0U-J2HBJuLcx2tBnLV9nkKMiiUqN4VClpVBYnEw4-PxJi3GztIHrbCgBhaQ48y2Z_620QoIPmogB22z9jfj7NH8MgNz58YvFsRnaifYQrGstyU-vJQspJ1cLQ0HGzsXXkrGZIoZFOqfnyCd8ci47SsKjT7TvLPBi739dSh2-75yld4oT-Gh5wHBx0bQB2HRljzv_YGzYsr6dNl5KjYyh7PpDYa-ppElIhVoMVhwisbvXwA6SnZTAukhz1Rl_SkUIqpyp0qHkuWpriL17yUcJSQ5XA7hFWkopZc0d7tlH9RICZHA80y3ta8AE-Kcq7ljSm6AO-kVCugIosduDW3R-byBk6wwXWPW8SH7cQKfEfGV5puVGak6GlvHNMSC1Wwc5-q89MdTS0Sa1rB9OPzbdjdvERu=w1560-h878-no)
Looks like Lee-on-Solent.
It's a big part of my "Escape plan"
Looks like Lee-on-Solent.
I think you're about 5 miles away from a good pun.
Looks like Lee-on-Solent.
I think you're about 5 miles away from a good pun.
Lepe?
Yes, another tent!
Yes, another tent!
;D A Zephyros 2, used a few time but in great condition. £80Yes, another tent!
Well what is it? You can't leave it like that!
and do you have a one in one out rule? :) (I'm very much enjoying the tent I bought from Mr Forrest... ;D )
All ok though as the one I gave away was a 12 birth. We have acquired a 2, 3, 4, and this 2 birth.
I make that we are still 1 birth in credit
;D ;D ;D
A bit more camping gear today!
Snugpak Chrysalis 3 sleeping bag, and a Thermarest Neoair Venture mat!
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16906067602_c31d8c4d67_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7632/16906067442_ffc1073aee_o.jpg)
Pretty much set now!
Ordered last Friday and arrived today- an MSR Hubba NX one person ultralight tent with footprint. Initial impressions: sets up very easily, and seems fairly sturdy for an ultralight. It seems a little sturdier than the Big Agnes Copper Spur that I looked at. It doesn't have the bomb-proof, fortress like feel of my Hilleberg Soulo, but it doesn't have the eye-watering price tag of the Soulo, either. It also weighs just over half what the Soulo weighs, and packs down to about half the size. I'll do a more complete review after I've spent a few nights in it.
I think that's the current version of my Hubba HP https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 , a good little tent.
From my point of view, the main advantage over a Schnozzel is that it fits a Thermarest valve rather than an Exped valveRumour would have it that it's also quite good for getting a wood burning camp stove going.
This would seem to be the main advantage over a Schnozzel.
The piezo ignitor on my Snow Peak stove broke within a week or two after I bought the stove (spring 2006), and I've been using cheap disposable cigarette lighters ever since. Your MSR lighter makes a fair bit of sense if I ever run out of disposable lighters.
I bought an MSR Piezo igniter: https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/piezo-ignitor
I prefer not to have the piezo on the stove itself, as it's more easily damaged and if it goes wrong, not eay to fix
That's pretty, where did you get it? (the msr site wasn't very helpful).I assume it's this one:
Thank you!That's pretty, where did you get it? (the msr site wasn't very helpful).I assume it's this one:
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/kitchen-accessories-c18/piezo-igniter-for-gas-canister-stoves-p1708
(the MSR site seems to be one of those annoying ones that redirects all links to the home page unless you've a current cookie)
I bought an MSR Piezo igniter: https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/piezo-ignitor
I prefer not to have the piezo on the stove itself, as it's more easily damaged and if it goes wrong, not eay to fix
That's pretty, where did you get it? (the msr site wasn't very helpful).
Sleeping bag, stove, gas cylinder, blanket.
Sleeping bag, stove, gas cylinder, blanket.
That should make them easier to find...
Titanium chopsticks from Alpkit; mainly just because...
... Not sure why I need 3 tents though...
OH mocked me for the alpkit titanium chopsticks I keep in a side pocket of my bag right up until the point where she bought lunch at the station and they'd run out of disposable cutlery, at which point she stole mine.Can you eat soup with them?
Snow Peak Geo Shield stove:
https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove
Snow Peak Geo Shield stove:
https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove (https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove)
Cor, that looks like it's in the same sort of league as a Trangia, stability-wise, while packing down a lot smaller. :thumbsup:
Cor, that looks like it's in the same sort of league as a Trangia, stability-wise, while packing down a lot smaller. :thumbsup:
One of those excellent Colapz water carriers: https://colapz.co.uk/collections/our-products/products/liquid-carrier
Not cheap (even with the ALC's discount) but it's extremely well made, and is the most barakta-friendly design I've come across so far (though I might extend the lever on the tap a little).
One of those excellent Colapz water carriers: https://colapz.co.uk/collections/our-products/products/liquid-carrier
Not cheap (even with the ALC's discount) but it's extremely well made, and is the most barakta-friendly design I've come across so far (though I might extend the lever on the tap a little).
Dead mats seem to be fairly common, by internet account, and I'm sure that sitting half on a pillow and popping the baffles must also be relatively common.Having done just that (hidden under the sleeping bag), I've replaced the Exped pillow by a Sea to Summit Aeros (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/pillows-c61/aeros-premium-pillow-p3581).
Not bought, but aquired, a primus 96 stove (probably 1950s), a gas barbeque and various camping gas stoves an lanterns including a big lamp onna stick. :D
Great, you can show me how to work it! :)Not bought, but aquired, a primus 96 stove (probably 1950s), a gas barbeque and various camping gas stoves an lanterns including a big lamp onna stick. :D
I set my sleeve on fire with a Primus 96 :thumbsup:
I bought a 3x3 DD Tarp and DD Frontline Hammock this weekend. My son was away last week with scouts and came back raving about how great the hammock and tarps were. One of the other leaders had bought all DD's ex Demo/2nds stock so I bought a set before they were handed on to the Scout troop.
I had not bought one before as I own a Wild Country Zephyros 2 and didn't think the tarp and hammock would be that much smaller.
Am intrigued by the chip supper shelter. It's not camping I take it? A bijou country park palace? A seafront bus shelter?
I bought it for illuminating the shelter where we plan to eat our chip suppers through the winter with the added bonus of camping and power cut lighting practicality.
A "Whackin' Gurt Fortress"Sounds good. I rate Robens. If you want one for cycling use I can recommend the Robens Lodge 2. Great tent for one.
Huge and weighs a Hefty few Kilos.
For a Base Camp type do, it should be excellent. Unlikely to carry it for a Moving on tour, simply because of the weight.
Robens Fortress 3.
Anybody here tried a Fjallraven tent? I'm intrigued to know how they stack up against Hilleberg.We have an Abisko Endurance. Quality is superb. Can't compare to Hilleberg as we don't have one but we've been really impressed. Got mine as an ex demo model which made it affordable. .. Good kit doesn't come cheap!
Anybody here tried a Fjallraven tent? I'm intrigued to know how they stack up against Hilleberg.We have an Abisko Endurance. Quality is superb. Can't compare to Hilleberg as we don't have one but we've been really impressed. Got mine as an ex demo model which made it affordable. .. Good kit doesn't come cheap!
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
That looks interesting, look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
My replacement sleeping mat arrived today; a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated mat (http://seatosummit.com/product/ultralight-insul-mat/), size small. It replaces my now dead Exped Synmat UL 7S (https://aushiker.com/owner-review-exped-synmat-ul-7-s-first-impressions/) and also brings to an end my experiment with Exped gear.
I've had one Exped mat delaminate which was replaced under warranty. A bit of searching led to me not fully inflating the mat - I actually fully inflate it then let a bit of air out. The idea is that having some room for the air to move around means that there aren't the same stresses on the welded seams.I wrote this on the forum some years ago
The guide that came with the Big Agnes mat (Similar to a Synmat) said when inflated correctly you should feel the ground when you kneel on it, but not when you kneel on it and take half the weight on your arms. The diagram made it clearer, two contact points = feel the ground. Four contact points = off the ground.That's plenty of room for air to move around, it didn't stop the two failures.
That looks interesting, look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
The construction method that leads to delamination isn't unique to Exped, HF welded seams always have a cross piece to secure them, something that can't be done on an internal baffle. I've had two go, a Big Agnes and an Exped and the replacement Exped is on the way out, I'm going to be looking for something offering the same comfort and insulation with a different construction.
I bought a trangia today. I'm looking forward to playing with it :thumbsup:
Some ferrules for my camping chair.
I was thinking about taking my cat camping. She would probably shred my tent within seconds but somebody's invented soft plastic claw covers which you glue on. So add that to the camping shopping list! Or maybe don't because they're said to be cruel. So I suppose I can't take the cat camping after all. It's a shame because I think she'd love it. She's a bit strange.
I was thinking about taking my cat camping. She would probably shred my tent within seconds but somebody's invented soft plastic claw covers which you glue on. So add that to the camping shopping list! Or maybe don't because they're said to be cruel. So I suppose I can't take the cat camping after all. It's a shame because I think she'd love it. She's a bit strange.
Camping with cats is an actual thing, they even have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/campingwithcats/
And over the weekend The Current Mrs R was telling me how she's read that someone had installed a cat flap in their caravan as their cats loved a bit of caravanning! We have 3 cats and I'm not sure we're brave enough to take any of them camping or caravanning for a whole variety of reasons, some of these involve us potentially being thrown off the campsite :hand:
Hmm. I wouldn't want free range cats on a site near my tent. One of the ALC had his Hilleberg Acto ripped to shreds by a cat that some idiot had taken to York Rally. They only have to get scared by one dog and go haring up the nearest object.
In recent days I have acquired a gas burner for the Trangia (I have lost the love for meths as it's messy and tastes awful if you accidentally ingest it) and a Helinox Chair One for a bit of campsite luxury.
Can I please ask for recommendations for a good nights sleep courtesy of what the best sleeping mat is for comfort given that it will be packed away whilst walking or cycling?
Nobody's mentioning the top of the range mats, e.g. Thermarest MondoKing and DreamTime, or Exped MegaMat. Or the really thick things from other mfrs such as Coleman. They're too heavy for cycling but Robert's post seems to imply that's not an issue.
I choose downmat/synamat over thermarest because they are warmer, they fold smaller for the thickness I need (ignoring the neoair as too cold), they have a chair kit that you can use to sit up in bed, which I find really useful for back problems and also for reading. They have always replaced promptly when I have had problems.
In about 16 years of fairly heavy and not careful use (Nye jumps all over them) I had one of the old style valves fail, one puncture (clarion's flimsy ultra light), and 2 baffle failures, one of which is also the the UL. They have replaced everthing with no quibble, even the 12 or so year old valve failure. They repaired the puncture. So whilst not a perfect record, pretty good for 16 years. We currently have 3 in service plus the UL which is waiting to be sent for repair.
I bought a small, very light, plastic chopping board, from a kitchen shop, to make camp cooking easier and, shock horror, actually cook vegetables!
I can recommend a very good camping chopping knife for your new board if you are interested. It's not light at all but is good - I now use it as my main kitchen chopping knife.Thanks, but I'll stick with my Opinel.
Am all for integrating normal domestic life and camping -I sometimes feel like the best way to do this would be just not going home!
Sort of. I was reviewing my needs since replacing the frying pan with a small none stick version. This left me with a quanddry, why have a huge Stainless plate weiging 200 grm when its not needed to cover a big fry pan. So after the usual serach for a lightweight steel or taitanium plate the thought hit me. Why not use a pie tin.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=1bpegPsX&id=3DF6CCE8EA8CE2DD4ED231713A1FBBCA09286A58&thid=OIP.1bpegPsXPFpISUFFB2LzBAHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.britishcornershop.co.uk%2fimg%2flarge%2fTJ0504.jpg&exph=500&expw=500&q=freybentos+pie&simid=607986854488967095&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0
Light weight, good for 230 deg C and only £1.00 but you need to dispose of the contents valued at £1.00. I am not normally big into re-cycling but somtimes its just sensible. working on the disposal of the contents and a check the tine is good for 230 deg C at least for 25 min. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif
guarantee is unreasonable. ;-).
A Snow Peak Titanium pot, around 700ml size, with a lid, a mesh bag and a Ti Spork inside it.
Charity shop find of the year, I think!
I gave them a £2.00 coin and said to put the 50p change into the collection pot.
Does that not use a mantle?
Interesting.
I reckon that burning gas as a practical way of producing a decent amount of light is thoroughly obsolete, but that's not really the point in something like this.
(Agreed about most battery lanterns being made of cheese. The market seems to be flooded with the sort of stuff that's only fit for being taken apart by Big Clive. As most of my camping is solo, I generally use a properly-engineered head torch.)
One of the things I've noticed in recent years as LED's have improved is that the light has got 'harsher', cf car headlights, very often we don't want that kind of light, just a little glow to see where I'veleftkicked over the vino.
Additionally I seem to be becoming somewhat photo-sensitive. We were in the lakes last year and every time someone at the other end of the site switched their small supernova on I had to retreat to the tent with crippling pain behind my eyes.
One of the things I've noticed in recent years as LED's have improved is that the light has got 'harsher', cf car headlights, very often we don't want that kind of light, just a little glow to see where I'veOne of the problems I've had with most headtorches is the lack of a properly dim dim mode, but I'm sorted now - the current version starts at 0.06 lumens (iirc) as currently configured, and will go down to 0.01, but I decided that was too dim, even with dark adapted eyes. Not too blue either.leftkicked over the vino.
I find the red LED works well when I want it really dim (yes, the colour of reddish objects is sometimes confusing, but it's not like you can see in colour with a dim light anyway). I just wish the beam was a bit wider.Interestingly chart table lights on boats are traditionally red as it is supposed to help you train your night vision for when go back on deck in the middle of the night.
I find the red LED works well when I want it really dim (yes, the colour of reddish objects is sometimes confusing, but it's not like you can see in colour with a dim light anyway). I just wish the beam was a bit wider.Interestingly chart table lights on boats are traditionally red as it is supposed to help you train your night vision for when go back on deck in the middle of the night.
And apropos nothing another fan of Big Clive here, I've learnt an awful lot and he has the most wonderful soothing voice (IMO).
I recently bought a small light for inside the tent. It has high and low settings and for reasons which totally escape me, a flashing mode. Why on earth would you have a lantern inside a tent flashing?
These are very good, not blinding white light and converts from a lamp into a torch. Seems well built and sturdy too but it’s only done a couple of camping trips so far
https://www.alpkit.com/products/trinity#product-reviews
A dim but enough to read by and handsfree red light is also good for my (occasional) astronomy. I'm still looking for the right light for that.
Is there a frequency at which the pwm ceases to be hard work for the eyes?
A dim but enough to read by and handsfree red light is also good for my (occasional) astronomy. I'm still looking for the right light for that.
Is there a frequency at which the pwm ceases to be hard work for the eyes?
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A gas canister stand. £3 from AliExpress. And all metal, maybe stronger than the MSR stand with plastic bits?
Should make my Pocket Rocket a bit more stable. Or can be used to hold the canister upside down, for my Windpro.
Mine is the original WindPro, not the WindPro 2. So it didn't include a canister stand.A gas canister stand. £3 from AliExpress. And all metal, maybe stronger than the MSR stand with plastic bits?
Should make my Pocket Rocket a bit more stable. Or can be used to hold the canister upside down, for my Windpro.
I thought the WindPro came with a canister stand? https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/canister-stoves/windpro-ii#product-info
A head torch with a red led option for £4 pounds in millets in Shrewsbury :)I was visiting nobby and we went to Shrewsbury to trawl the charity shops :)
My Brukit and canister have arrived! Seems to boil water faster than even the gas cooker!
Well, I’ve got a bit carried away, but have my (hopefully) light but warm Bivy set up sorted:
All in it weighs 1360g:
- alpkit kloke Bivy,
- Thermarest xtherm mat,
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit)
- all wrapped up in a Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag.
Well, I’ve got a bit carried away, but have my (hopefully) light but warm Bivy set up sorted:
All in it weighs 1360g:
- alpkit kloke Bivy,
- Thermarest xtherm mat,
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit)
- all wrapped up in a Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag.
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights? I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost!
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights? I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost!
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights? I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost!
Random things I weighed :)
- alpkit kloke Bivy, (280g)
- Thermarest xtherm mat, (448g + 16g bag)
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit) (510g + 36g bag)
- Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag. (139g)
- Rab siltarp 1 (227g + 12g bag)
- Alpkit hunka Xl Bivy (476g)
- Sea to summit ultrasil 1l dry bag (14g)
- Exped UL 3l dry bag (15g)
What are your thoughts on the Kloke versus the Hunka XL, in terms of things like size, durability, etc? (I realise it's maybe a bit early to say anything definite yet. 😊)
I really like the breathability of the Kloke, as I can be quite a sweaty person and would like to avoid my down bag getting soaked in condensation. I would also like to fit a 7cm sleeping pad in there with me (c.180cm, 75-80kg) ; what's the fit like with your Thermarest, or do you put the pad under the bag?
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights? I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost!
Random things I weighed :)
- alpkit kloke Bivy, (280g)
- Thermarest xtherm mat, (448g + 16g bag)
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit) (510g + 36g bag)
- Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag. (139g)
- Rab siltarp 1 (227g + 12g bag)
- Alpkit hunka Xl Bivy (476g)
- Sea to summit ultrasil 1l dry bag (14g)
- Exped UL 3l dry bag (15g)
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale).If your idea of cooking is boiling water and it's just for yourself - Also consider the Primus Lite+
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale)
There is a lot of choice, all I think with pros and cons, decent comparison hereStill need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale)
The MSR Windburner stoves ...
There is a lot of choice, all I think with pros and cons, decent comparison here
https://thenextchallenge.org/jetboil-comparison-camping-stoves/
This one (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=108429.0) is my current favourite, though it may have been a one-season thing. Barakta was also impressed, so I bought a couple of spares.Yep, I bought one on the recommendations in that thread, used about 15 nights since and like it.
The Thermarest one looks like next-level comfort, though perhaps a bit on the bulky side for cycle-camping or backpacking.
If it's warm enough not to need the hood of my sleeping bag for its intended purpose, I tend to use it as a pillow restraint. If it's cold I tend not to thrash around as much anyway.I could of mentioned I use a quilt rather than a bag, the mat needs a cover anyway, so it made sense to attach the pillow to it.
Main problem I've had with any camping pillow is getting it to stay on the mat, making a mat cover with a sleeve for the pillow has been one of my better ideas.
I could of mentioned I use a quilt rather than a bag, the mat needs a cover anyway, so it made sense to attach the pillow to it.
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?My quilt is just that, a rectangle filled with down. It also has, though I don't use, a drawstring at the bottom so you could make a foot box and some soft velcro like stuff on three edges so you could make into a sleeping bag. It doesn't have anything to tie it to the mat, though I have seen some that do. I have an Exped Synmat which goes in a light cotton cover, originally a rectangle sleeping bag liner, later a custom cover that fits better, and has the pillow sleeve. It's large enough not to get draughts and easier to regulate warmth than any sleeping bag I've tried. I sleep as well as I do at home, I don't winter camp, though it's kept me warm on some frosty nights. I also wear lightweight PJ's, which occasionally also get used as a spare base layer.
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?
On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.
I insert the top of my mat into a T-shirt and then the pillow goes inside. Simples.Nice! :thumbsup:
Looks very much like one of those sleeping bags with an all-round zip so you can lie it flat. Which I suppose it is, really, by another name. In fact it reminds me of a sleeping bag I had as a child, which came from Woolworths. I kind of expect the one you've linked to is somewhat better quality...How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?
On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.
Revelation by name, revelation by nature. https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/
It's at least the same size as a single duvet, but warmer and lighter. It has optional straps but I've never used them. I don't think of draughts as being an issue; in the cold I zip up and cinch the bottom third to make a footbox, in the warm I might need to ventilate because it can get a bit too toasty. I use a "sheet" as a "sheet"! (100% cotton, sewn up like a liner bag so it doubles as an anti-squeak layer under the mat and an anti-lying-on-plastic layer on top. Retaining loop for a pillow or jacket or whatever combination of soft things I'm using as a pillow. The drawback to using cotton is it can get a bit damp with condensation, but on balance it works for me and my priorities.)
As a habitual sticker-out-of-feet the idea of a quilt appeals for warm weather. Of course, if it's properly hot a sleeping bag liner is sufficient.I'm thinking of that Saturday night at Twitey's last summer... and the gorgeous weather surrounding it.
Like most things, the unpredictability of the BRITISH weather doesn't make this easy.
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?
That's a useful warning.How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?
I've had two. One was down from Jack's 'R Better and the other a synthetic in kit form from Ray Jardine.
The first was light without bulk and the second light but very bulky.
I sleep on my side and neither was warm enough when I rolled over in the night. Warm air was spilled, and the process of getting warm air trapped had to start over again.
That price really looks a little too good to be true. The company's website does not impress me either.
I've bought a Ti trivet to fit my Pocket Wood Stove.Really!
It also fits in the top of the Trangia burner which also fits the stove.
I am going back to meths because after 55 years on and off using hexy I've discovered that the smell, which I didn't mind, is cyanide gas. They kept that quiet when I was a soldier!
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?
On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.
Revelation by name, revelation by nature. https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/
It's at least the same size as a single duvet, but warmer and lighter. It has optional straps but I've never used them. I don't think of draughts as being an issue; in the cold I zip up and cinch the bottom third to make a footbox, in the warm I might need to ventilate because it can get a bit too toasty. I use a "sheet" as a "sheet"! (100% cotton, sewn up like a liner bag so it doubles as an anti-squeak layer under the mat and an anti-lying-on-plastic layer on top. Retaining loop for a pillow or jacket or whatever combination of soft things I'm using as a pillow. The drawback to using cotton is it can get a bit damp with condensation, but on balance it works for me and my priorities.)I insert the top of my mat into a T-shirt and then the pillow goes inside. Simples.Nice! :thumbsup:
Well it has not killed you 'yet'. How many years did you say you used Hemamine?
"burning hexanine can create formaldehyde, ammonia, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen cyanide and ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances, and kidney damage"
Wow! School day
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How small does the quilt pack down to?
How small does the quilt pack down to?
Am considering one of these sleeping bags for a future bike packing adventure. The reviews on Youtube all seem reasonable for such a cheap and light down bag. https://www.amazon.co.uk/AEGISMAX-Sleeping-Ultralight-Backpacking-6%C2%B0C-11%C2%B0C/dp/B06Y5ZYKYG
Anyone have one already and care to share your thoughts on it?
I bought one of these the other day:
(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)
I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:
I bought one of these the other day:
(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)
I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:
I went the other way - a soft ground peg that I can also use as a trowelI bought one of these the other day:It has a useful hole at one end so that it can be use as an emergency tent peg. Handy in soft/sandy ground where other pegs won't hold well.
(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)
I bought one of these the other day:
(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)
I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:
I've got a .jpg?forceSize=false&forceAspectRatio=true&useTrim=true]Sea to Summit (https://images.internetstores.de/products/360585/02/96fc32/Sea_to_Summit_Pocket_Trowel_alloy[1920x1920) poo trowel but I can't tell whether it's purple or blue?
Can 2 people really sleep in there without the tarp pressing on their heads? And do you just sleep on a Thermarest or something without a groundsheet? If so, what about death by slugs or ants during the night?I haven't tried it out for real yet but I reckon it's big enough for 2 people lying lengthways on each side of the bike. It's intended to be used in conjunction with a bivvy bag and sleeping mat as a means of providing additional shelter in case of rain.
And how do you get the bike to stay upright?
A 3x3m LOMO tarp for my first attempt at erecting a shelter using a bike as a support. The tarp weighs in at 800g, not that light, but it does provide a roomy shelter big enough for 2 including the bike. Please feel free to suggest other configurations that may work as well/better.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200718/5972594fbaa0d578fa5d304bf4474465.jpg)
Just taken delivery of a Petzl Noctilight. I only heard of these the other day, and am more excited by it than I should be (yes, I could just hang my headtorch up in my tent, but now I have an actual purpose-made case to do it!). Though judging by the weather we've had all week, I'm not going to be testing it any time soon...
Huel have brought out a 'hot and savoury' range of dehydrated, nutritious meals comprising tomato and basil and thai green curry, both vegan.
As I prefer just to carry a Jetboil for cooking this is interesting, especially as we're not as keen on going to the pub while camping as we once were.
Major downside is the minimum order is much more than I'd like, but we already get through a fair amount of the milkshake mix blended with fruit for breakfast (and occasionally lunch) and early reviews are favourable so I've taken a risk and added some to our next order. If it is edible it will be about a third of the cost of Firepot meals (which are very good, but not cheap either).
After a few years of a search running on ebay my Fell Club magazine arrived a couple of weeks ago and there was the tent I have been looking for in the sales. A MiniPeak Luxe with the silnylon outer.
My favourite tent now 700 grams lighter.
Bought:
Two Trekology UL80 sleeping mats. First impressions are VERY comfortable - even my good lady who is very fussy about beds has had a kip on it and given it the thumbs up.
A bamboo fibre towel. 160x80cm 220g! I already have a microfibre towel but needed another for the missus. Saw the bamboo fibre and thought I'd give it a go as we're trying to get away from plastics. I was sceptical when it arrived as it is thin and appears to weight nothing. However I've tested it at home and it has no problem drying me rapidly and it dries quickly. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B087D5K9VT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These will get properly tested in three weeks time when we're off for a few days camping in the Dales on the tandem. I'll report back.
The blurb says "It is a perfect mat for 3 seasons. The estimated R-value is around 1.6 to 2, with the exact value varies by measurement". There are lots of Youtube reviews which are very favourable but generally state that it isn't a winter mat. I've also bought a pair of Highlander reflective mats to go underneath at 100g a piece. I think this is a good idea not only for extra insulation but also for added protection against anything damaging the mat. So not the lightest set up but at my age I value a good night's sleep very highly and will sacrifice a bit of weight to achieve it.Bought:
Two Trekology UL80 sleeping mats. First impressions are VERY comfortable - even my good lady who is very fussy about beds has had a kip on it and given it the thumbs up.
A bamboo fibre towel. 160x80cm 220g! I already have a microfibre towel but needed another for the missus. Saw the bamboo fibre and thought I'd give it a go as we're trying to get away from plastics. I was sceptical when it arrived as it is thin and appears to weight nothing. However I've tested it at home and it has no problem drying me rapidly and it dries quickly. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B087D5K9VT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These will get properly tested in three weeks time when we're off for a few days camping in the Dales on the tandem. I'll report back.
Ooh - what’s the R-value on the sleeping mat?
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/ultralight-airbeds-c138/inertia-x-lite-short-mat-p1315
175 grams, lots of holes, very light indeed. We'll see................
I think the idea is that your down bag expands downwards and fills the holes with insulation.https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/ultralight-airbeds-c138/inertia-x-lite-short-mat-p1315
175 grams, lots of holes, very light indeed. We'll see................
I'm shivering just looking at the photo.
I think the idea is that your down bag expands downwards and fills the holes with insulation.The impression I have is that the thing goes inside the sleeping bag, which helps protect it from SHARP THINGS and the holes allow the bag to expend upwards, which TBH sounds bonkers to me but as its role in life is for me to carry it in a rucksack while i walk across Spain, where I hope it will be warm and I'll not use it every night, maybe once or twice a week, I'm OK with it. I'll try to remember not to forget to remind myself to report back here.
You got a sleeping bag with a bottle of wine?
Also struggling to see the difference between the Cloud Nine and a quilt, other than the zip.Size, the bag will make a bigger quilt than needed. I have a decent quilt, it's plenty big enough, though when folded over to make a bag it's narrower than ideal.
Also struggling to see the difference between the Cloud Nine and a quilt, other than the zip.Size, the bag will make a bigger quilt than needed. I have a decent quilt, it's plenty big enough, though when folded over to make a bag it's narrower than ideal.
When I clicked on the link the first image I saw was a bottlenof wine beside the packed sleeping bag.
Speaking of being cold, I recently invested in one of these: https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-nine
Strictly a summer camping and indoors proposition. One day I hope to have an opportunity to use it. If nothing else, it'll prolong the life of my much-loved and extremely discontinued Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher.
It's a shame, the Dreamcatcher being discontinued. I originally got it on your recommendation as I need it due to the way I sleep. I'm wondering whether to send it off for a professional cleaning to get it to loft better - I always use a liner with it and it seems clean enough but it has never been washed.
https://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk or https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaningproper cleaning by proper people is well worth the money for decent down equipment in my experience. You can always do it yourself using proper down wash but bloody hell it is an absolutely massive faff, and i mean really really.
Both of these places have good reputations for cleaning & refurbishing down sleeping bags. SMG will work on most other outdoors stuff as well.
https://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk or https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaningproper cleaning by proper people is well worth the money for decent down equipment in my experience. You can always do it yourself using proper down wash but bloody hell it is an absolutely massive faff, and i mean really really.
Both of these places have good reputations for cleaning & refurbishing down sleeping bags. SMG will work on most other outdoors stuff as well.
Try American brands like Marmot or Mountain Hardware. They tend to be built on the larger side, so a bit more wiggle room. Also try mens bags rather than womens. Getting a bag made to measure would be possible, but I'd think horribly expensive.
A pair of PlanetX 5.5L drybags with fork mounting kits.I was just looking at those. They are a a lot cheaper than the Gorilla cage and bags.
A pair of PlanetX 5.5L drybags with fork mounting kits.I was just looking at those. They are a a lot cheaper than the Gorilla cage and bags.
Would be handy for a bit of bikepacking, along with a big handlebar bag.
This morning the coffee filter to go with the alpkit brukit. Just released.I saw that but it means your main pot is tainted by coffee, doesn't it?
Probably, but I can put up with that for decent coffee.:thumbsup:
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html
Not used one but I think I'd rather be seen dogging than in one of those. Looks crap, especially in a UK context. Where is it manufactured?https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html
Nice tent - except for pole placement. OK for race whippets but not for lardarses like me. One advantage of the Alpkit Polestar is that the poles are at the end - it's also lighter, got a higher HH and half the price!
Not used one but I think I'd rather be seen dogging than in one of those. Looks crap, especially in a UK context. Where is it manufactured?https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)
Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html
Nice tent - except for pole placement. OK for race whippets but not for lardarses like me. One advantage of the Alpkit Polestar is that the poles are at the end - it's also lighter, got a higher HH and half the price!
The Polestar is designed and made in the UK.Do you have a source for that?
https://alpkit.com/products/polestar-trekking-pole-tentThe Polestar is designed and made in the UK.Do you have a source for that?
Vital stats
Weight
Total Weight (excluding footprint): 980g
Flysheet: 430g
Inner: 360g
Alloy Pole: 93g
Pegs: 75g
Stuff Bag: 21g
Footprint (optional): 150g
Dimensions
Pitched Size: 210cm x 140cm x 100cm (length x width x height)
Internal Space: 200cm x 80cm x 90cm (length x width x height)
Packed Size: 42cm x 11cm
Construction
Flysheet: 20d Polyester R/S Sil/PU 3,000mm HH
Mesh: D33 Mesh
Inner: 20d Nylon R/S breathable
Groundsheet: 20d R/s Polyester PU 5,000mm HH
Pole: 7001 alloy
Pegs: 8 x Alloy Y beam pegs
Zips: YKK size 5 zips
Footprint (optional): 20d R/s Polyester PU 5,000mm HH
Origin: China
The material comes from China (as it does for most tent manufacturers) but, as far as I am aware from the Alpkit site, many things are constructed hereNo, a few things are made in the UK, but not £140 tents, just think about it.
This tent looks quite clever.It certainly looks cleverer than our current Cabinet.
I like the look of the aeronaut https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1 (https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1). No poles and looks like a decent space.
Big question whether to go for a small tarpaulin to extend over the bike and bivvy or go for the tent for later in the year.
I like the look of the aeronaut https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1 (https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1). No poles and looks like a decent space.
Big question whether to go for a small tarpaulin to extend over the bike and bivvy or go for the tent for later in the year.
Link doesn’t workThank you. I've edited my post.
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.
We also bought a pair of Trekology UL80 air mats, along with the 30L pump sack. We have now used them for a long weekend away and two weeks away this summer. They are not the lightest air mats but certainly not heavy. They are incredibly comfortable. Certainly the most comfortable sleeping mat we have ever used, and we have been camping virtually every year for the last 30+ years. They also appear to be robust and where we have camped for two or three consecutive nights have not needed topping up. We also use Highlander reflective mats underneath to add protection and heat retention. These weigh next to nothing and the difference between the temperature of the tent groundsheet and the mats is remarkable. All in all very happy with this sleep system.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N4KK854/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://highlander-outdoor.com/uk_shop/reflective-camping-mat.html
Interesting. Just wondering if they come supplied with puncture repair kits?!!Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.
I have an air beam bivvy tent from 2012. The beam does not need that much air. Mine uses a hand pump and it’s not that much effort and quick to inflate. But choice on Alpkit one of Schrader valve does seem weird.
Interesting. Just wondering if they come supplied with puncture repair kits?!!Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.
I have an air beam bivvy tent from 2012. The beam does not need that much air. Mine uses a hand pump and it’s not that much effort and quick to inflate. But choice on Alpkit one of Schrader valve does seem weird.
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed,A combination of...
Schrader > Presta.Is that the campers' variant on my dad > your dad? :D
Inquiring minds want to know brand and model ;)
It won't beat the pack size of my Nordisk Lofoten (22x11cm!), but then it can be argued the Lofoten is just a very comfy bivvy with its 70cm height.
It’s a feet first type entry.aka "canvas coffin".
It’s a feet first type entry.aka "canvas coffin".
I'm not familiar with the old designs you refer to, but "nylon coffin" doesn't alliterate.Silnylon sarcophagus?
A long titanium spork, an ex German forces rubberised groundsheet and a 80gsm tarp.
I'm not familiar with the old designs you refer to, but "nylon coffin" doesn't alliterate.
You can probably stuff clothes in there though.
A Thermarest pillow stuff sack (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/pillows-c61/stuff-sack-pillow-p11280), because it seems a neat way of using a clothes bag for a pillow (yes, I could just use a standard drybag, but I don't like the texture), and a tiny table (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ultralight-folding-table-p12720). Have to say, I was slightly underwhelmed upon opening the latter: £15 for that? Hopefully it'll prove useful, if I ever get out camping again (instead of going anywhere, I'm just buying stuff :facepalm:).
What did you upgrade from and why?
Following the demise of my Exped UL, an inexpensive Outwell self inflating 7.5cm mat for car camping. I will look at a new, hopefully more durable, insulated lightweight when the need arises. £200 a pop seems to be quite literally true.The button style of construction, rather than the tubes, seems to be a more durable design. Sea to Summit are confident enough to offer lifetime guarantees, I bought one after three failures on the tube designs, (2 x Exped, 1 Big Agnes). it's very comfortable despite not being as thick, though it's not quite as warm as an Exped Downmat.
Also rather taken with the Big Agnes Copper Spur but..........
The button style of construction, rather than the tubes, seems to be a more durable design. Sea to Summit are confident enough to offer lifetime guarantees, I bought one after three failures on the tube designs, (2 x Exped, 1 Big Agnes). it's very comfortable despite not being as thick, though it's not quite as warm as an Exped Downmat.
Having just waved off a removals van full of (nearly) all my belongings, I'll be on a not-really-used-yet Sea to Summit comfort plus insulated mat for the next couple of nights whilst I wrap things up at the old house.
I'm not expecting to learn much about its insulating properties, but it'll be a good opportunity to figure out how the two layer approach works and what 'settings' work for me.
Where are you moving to, Nikki?
Having just waved off a removals van full of (nearly) all my belongings, I'll be on a not-really-used-yet Sea to Summit comfort plus insulated mat for the next couple of nights whilst I wrap things up at the old house.
Where are you moving to, Nikki?
This is how I discovered that my old inflatable mattress had a hole last year. Almost all my worldly belongings had gone east in a van, leaving me, the mattress, a sleeping bag and not much else (apart from a load of cleaning products). Surprisingly, I slept ok, only realising in the morning that the mattress had lost all its air overnight. :facepalm:
Another Coleman lantern for when the lights go out. This one was a bargain - green, fairly recent, and probably used once. Fitted a mantle and filled it with Coleman fuel, and it Just Worked. Most Coleman stuff I buy from eBay needs a new generator and is gummed up with stale unleaded.
To show how weedy modern LED streetlights are, these throw out about the same amount of light - maybe the same as a 40W filament bulb*
*I won't say incandescent, because these are incandescent too.
While I was away on tour, a Flextail Tiny Pump 2X (https://www.flextail.com/products/tiny-pump-2x) arrived. Review can wait until I've used it in anger, but it inflates mats, comes with an impressive assortment of nozzles and works fairly nicely as a lamp, if you don't mind 1kHz PWM.There is one that apparently weighs only 10g. Doesn't have a lamp though.
Here’s my bivvy which I’ve had a while.What bivvi is that? Looks inflatable, which is a tent tech I think is really interesting.
In the second photo I was seeing how it’d work with an emergency survival bag to save bulk. Third photo all packed up with inflatable mat inside the bivvy bag, and emergency bag in long thin orange bag. Total weight 1020g. Fourth photo packed between my recumbent seat and wheel and seat bag , avoiding rack needing to be installed. If rack was installed I’d probably take my 300g sleeping bag. I measure my stuff against foot size.
Been looking at setup as Wild Atlantic Way audax if it runs next year may need to use campsites instead of sports halls for sleeping.
A Vango Brecon 450 airbeam tent. Our car camping future has begun.
Apparently the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles (107 iirc), I got it half price and £50 goes to the National Trust. It'll do.
Do you think that I could sneak into an ALC meet with it? 🤔
Doesn't the "lightweight" in ALC mean a tent rather than a caravan or motorhome?
Generally tents loss than 2m in height and 5.5kgs in weight.
We could still use the Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT but definitely not the Vango Brecon 450 airbeam.
Regrettably the c and c c is far too expensive for me to use . If I could afford it I would give me more incentive to explore :)
(Of course there's no reason you couldn't independently book a pitch at a site where the ALC happened to be having a meet...)But might be a problem if the meet is on a members-only site.
That's a thought but unless you are a member knowing when and where the meets are is a little difficult :)
Oh, er...
I seem to have bought an Anker powerbank thingy with 13 amp sockets and a light and lots of usb ports ...
Not quite sure how that happened. ??? ;D
Useful combo. You can power the solar panel from the powerbank and produce sunshine! 8)Oh, er...
I seem to have bought an Anker powerbank thingy with 13 amp sockets and a light and lots of usb ports ...
Not quite sure how that happened. ??? ;D
Inexplicably I have bought a solar panel now too ...
We had a trip to Alpkit at Inverness the other day. I ended up with socks, a new water bottle and a Brukit.
Bought two of these sleeping bags for this summer to use in place of our proper 3 season down bags.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JQ13FYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Not sure if this counts but it's a gateway to a camping adventure. I've just bought an Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 ahead of a planned 2 day running circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight (and other adventures).
https://www.centurionultrarunningstore.com/products/ultimate-direction-fastpack-30
It's just about big enough to hold a 1 person Saunders Jetpacker tent, a Jetboil Micromo, an Exped sleeping mat, a 1-2 season down sleeping bag, some grub, 500ml water bottles x2, a toothbrush, phone and a a few dry clothes for a 5-6kg packweight. Which frankly is more than enough to be running with for 30+ miles a day.
Seems like an excellent piece of kit so far.
Bought two of these sleeping bags for this summer to use in place of our proper 3 season down bags.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JQ13FYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Eeek! Look at the fifth picture down - happy smiling couple, sleeping on separate air matresses on the edge of a huge drop into the sea. All it would take is a restless night or the iar mattress being a bit slippy...
(Yeah I know that is a staged phot shoot)
Just ordered myself a Zenbivy Core Bed 25° (https://zenbivy.com/collections/core-beds/products/core-bed-25?variant=43701782020317) (with a 25" sheet) as a Black Friday deal. I intend to get in some more winter camping.